Victory for Hamilton would have seen him claim a record eighth world title – but a win for the Dutchman saw him become Formula One champion for the very first time.

One person who was cheering the 24-year-old on from the side this weekend was Verstappen’s model girlfriend Kelly Piquet.

Kelly Piquet is nine years older than boyfriend Max Verstappen.

Piquet – who is nine years older than the Red Bull star – is the daughter of F1 legend and three time world champion Nelson Piquet.

Mr Piquet enjoyed an impressive campaign on the track, having won three championships in 1981, 1983 and 1987.

His daughter has been dating Verstappen since late 2020, and has been by the Dutchman’s side throughout a dramatic 2021 campaign.

As well as having a driving legend for a dad, Piquet is also known for her own modelling work, and has accumulated an impressive 522,000 followers on her Instagram page.

Kelly Piquet has over 500,000 Instagram followers.

The pair officially announced their relationship at the turn of this year as both shared posts on social media together, welcoming in the New Year.

Alongside a picture of the couple on a beach the 24-year-old wrote: “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.”

Kelly will be in Max’s corner this weekend (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Piquet also followed suit, writing: “Love is what makes the world go round. Happy new year and much love #2021.”

The Dutchman is not the first Formula 1 star the Brazilian model has had a relationship with, after previously dating former Red Bull and Ferrari driver Daniil Kvyat.

The pair dated for around three years and in that time also had a daughter, Penelope who is two.

As a result, Verstappen is often seen acting as step dad, with a number of images posted on social media showing he is more than happy to take on the role.