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Racing season is well under way, and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen has been absolutely dominating the Formula 1 racing circuit. The Belgian-Dutch 24-year-old driver, who became F1’s youngest competitor at just 17 years old, is the expected favorite to win the Spanish Grand Prix race in Barcelona on Sunday May 22 after winning three of the last four grand prix races in Saudi Arabia, Italy and Miami.
Max’s 23 first place finishes and his fearless attitude have made him a popular racer on the circuit the past few years, but it’s his two-year relationship with 33-year-old Brazilian model, influencer and blogger Kelly Piquet that has only given the public even more to talk about.
The couple is rumored to have started dating in late 2020 after Max ended things with Dilara Sanlik, and Kelly split with former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat (the two share a 2-year-old daughter named Penelope).
Outside of her previous and current relationships, Kelly is no stranger to the F1 racing scene. As the daughter of racer Nelson Piquet, who won three world championships in Brabham in the ’80s and has been called “one of the greatest racers of all-time in motorsport,” she grew up around it just like Max, who is the son of former Netherlands F1 driver Jos Verstappen.
The couple officially revealed their relationship on Instagram with a photo together on the beach to ring in 2021. “Happy New Year everyone! 🥳🥳🥳 Let’s make 2021 a year to remember in many ways. Wishing you all success, love and happiness just as I found mine ❤️,” Max captioned the picture.
For the past two years, Kelly has remained his biggest fan, cheering him on at many his races and celebrating his wins. In fact, after Max’s F1 World Championship win in Abu Dhabi last December, he immediately ran over to hug Kelly, a captured moment she proudly shared on her Instagram page.
More recently, The Sun reported that Max was able to meet Kelly’s racing legend dad, now 69. “We didn’t talk about [racing] because I don’t need advice.” Max said. “I know what to do in the car and I don’t have to ask anyone. Better to spend some time with family.”
No one is quite sure what’s next for the two love birds, but either way, Max and Kelly are quickly becoming one of F1’s buzziest couples.
