Kelly Piquet, the partner of four-time Formula One champion Max Verstappen, has issued a firm response to critics who have questioned the nine-year age difference in their relationship. The 37-year-old model and social media personality revealed that Verstappen was "already 19" when they first met in 2016, while she was 27.
Viral Social Media Post Sparks Age Gap Discussion
During a recent viral trend where users share photographs from 2016, Piquet posted an image of herself posing with Verstappen and recounted their initial encounter a decade ago. She wrote: 'Met this guy [in 2016]... the very next day he told me I was the love of his life. Little did I know 10 years later we'd be celebrating five years together and have a perfect baby girl.'
Piquet added a playful note to her caption, stating: 'PS: I absolutely did not have a magical night that night but there was serendipity in the air.' The post attracted nearly 2,000 comments, with one user particularly highlighting the age difference by writing: 'When she was 27 in 2016, Max was 18. Hahahaha.'
Piquet's Direct Response to Critics
To this comment, Piquet fired back directly: 'He was already 19 but yeah so what.' This straightforward rebuttal represents her latest public defence of their relationship against those who have questioned the age gap between the couple.
The Brazilian-born Piquet, daughter of three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet, has been dating the Dutch racing star since 2020. The couple welcomed their daughter, Lily, in May 2025, adding to their blended family that includes Penelope, Piquet's daughter from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
The Monaco Meeting That Started It All
Verstappen and Piquet first crossed paths in Monaco during 2016, the same year Verstappen made history by becoming the youngest Grand Prix winner at the Spanish Grand Prix. Their initial meeting occurred during a meal that included Piquet's brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., another former Formula One driver.
In a December 2022 interview with Vogue Netherlands, Piquet reflected on that evening, describing how "something magical happened that night" despite her earlier social media quip about not having a magical evening. This apparent contradiction adds a layer of complexity to their origin story, suggesting a relationship that developed gradually rather than as love at first sight.
Navigating Family Dynamics and Public Scrutiny
The couple's relationship exists within a complex web of Formula One connections. Kvyat, Piquet's former partner and father of her eldest daughter, was the driver Verstappen replaced to secure his maiden Grand Prix victory. Verstappen has since embraced fatherhood duties for both Penelope and their shared daughter Lily.
Speaking on the Talking Bull podcast previously, Verstappen acknowledged this preparation, stating: 'Luckily I did get a little bit of training with Penelope. Seeing her grow up already for like four years. Which has been also really, really nice.' He added regarding fatherhood: 'Yes, it's going to be a different challenge. But I'm looking forward to it.'
Addressing the Age Difference Directly
Piquet has been openly candid about the perceived challenges of their age difference in previous interviews. She told reporters: 'I think we have a very healthy relationship, easygoing, we have a lot of understanding and support for each other.'
She continued: 'You would think the age difference could be a challenge, but so far things are going really well. I also really appreciate how he treats Penelope. It's so sweet to see.' These comments suggest that rather than creating division, their age difference has become just another aspect of their relationship that they navigate together.
Future Prospects and Family Considerations
The subject of marriage has surfaced in public discussions about the couple's future. Verstappen has addressed this topic cautiously, suggesting that only 'time will tell' if he and Piquet decide to formalise their relationship through marriage.
Should Verstappen propose, he would likely need to seek approval from Piquet's father, Nelson Piquet, the legendary Brazilian driver who won 23 races and three championships during his career. The elder Piquet is best known for his intense rivalry with English driver Nigel Mansell during the early 1990s.
However, Nelson Piquet's recent controversies have added another dimension to the family dynamic. In 2022, the 73-year-old was banned from the Formula One paddock, and a year later was ordered to pay approximately £780,000 in damages for allegedly racist and homophobic remarks directed at seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
Despite these family complexities and public scrutiny of their personal lives, Verstappen and Piquet continue to build their life together, blending their families and navigating the unique challenges that come with being one of Formula One's most high-profile couples.
