The Formula One 2023 season flew by in a flash for Red Bull racer Max Verstappen. The Dutch has already scored 17 wins in the 20 rounds of racing that the world has witnessed till now. His most recent victory at Brazil was a picturesque scene as he battled terrible weather conditions during Qualifying, and still came out winning the race at the Autodromo Jose Carlos Pace. The race in Brazil is of course quite special for Max since his girlfriend Kelly Piquet hails from the South American country. Piquet is the daughter of the living F1 legend Nelson Piquet Sr.

Kelly is a Vogue model, having appeared on the cover of the Dutch Vogue last year. She is also mother to Penelope, the four-year-old daughter she had with former Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat. It is to be remembered here that before meeting with Verstappen, Kelly Piquet used to date Kvyat from 2017 to 2019. She never married the Russian but co-parents their daughter with him. And since Max Verstappen has been together with Kelly since 2021, he has also apparently become a father figure to Penelope.

During the F1 summer break this year, Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet was seen celebrating Penelope’s birthday. The child was also joined by her father Daniil Kvyat on her special day. Max had also invited his friends Nyck deVries and Lando Norris from the F1 paddock. Penelope has also made some tiny appearances during Max’s Twitch sessions, compelling the fans to wonder about her relationship with her mother’s boyfriend.

Max Verstappen claims it is not his aim to replace Penelope’s father Daniil Kvyat

Penelope Kvyat currently stays with Max Verstappen as he is dating her mother Kelly. So, it is quite a common thing to believe that the youngster sees the reigning F1 Champion as her father. But Max cleared that misconception at his interview with Time Magazine as he spoke of his relationship with his girlfriend’s daughter.

Max Verstappen with Kelly and Penelope (via Twitter)I’m not the father, that’s not the aim. It’s always very important that she has a good relationship with her own father, which she has. But I see her every day when I’m at home. We get on very well. She’s very cute.

In other news, Max Verstappen is currently gearing up to face what might be his toughest Grand Prix till date in Las Vegas. The reason for this is the extreme temperature drop that is set to happen in a weeks’ time in Sin City. As the mercury is expected to hit 5°C (41°C), it is obvious that the drivers will have severe difficulty in heating up their tires for friction. Thus, it remains to be seen how Max handles the challenges to come out victorious at the first edition of Las Vegas GP.