Kelly Piquet reveals Max Verstappen declared his love the day after they met

Kelly Piquet took to Instagram to share a nostalgic look back at 2016, revealing a touching detail about her first encounter with Max Verstappen. Participating in a "2026 as the new 2016" trend, the model posted a series of throwback photos, concluding with a snapshot of a young Verstappen and recounting how the Red Bull driver declared his love for her just one day after they met.

Why it matters:

While Verstappen is known for his intense focus and ruthless competitiveness on track, these personal insights offer fans a glimpse into the private life of the three-time World Champion. It highlights the stability and support system behind his dominant era, showing the human side of the driver often seen only through his helmet.

The details:

• The Instagram Post: Piquet shared twenty photos from 2016, describing the year as "hectic" and noting she could barely fit 10% of her memories into the carousel.
• The Confession: In the caption accompanying a photo of Verstappen, Piquet wrote, "Met this guy... the very next day he told me I was the love of his life."
• Current Milestones: She reflected on how little she knew at the time that they would be celebrating five years together and raising their daughter, Lily, a decade later.
• Setting the Record Straight: Piquet clarified the atmosphere of their initial meeting, adding, "I absolutely did not have a magical night that night, but there was serendipity in the air."

Looking ahead:

As the 2026 season approaches, Verstappen continues to balance his championship defense with his growing family life. The couple, who welcomed their daughter in late 2024, remain a staple figure in the F1 paddock, providing a grounding presence amidst the high-pressure environment of Formula 1.