The world of Formula 1 is all about speed, competition, and the spotlight, but behind the scenes, a story of love and perseverance unfolds that many people don’t see. Max Verstappen, the Formula 1 world champion, and Kelly Piquet, the daughter of legendary three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, have been a couple for over five years. Despite constant pressure from the media and public opinion, they have secretly nurtured their relationship. But the road to love wasn’t always easy, especially since their relationship was often the subject of criticism.

Criticism of their Relationship
Since they got together, Max and Kelly have constantly been confronted with the question of whether their relationship was genuine. Many people suggested that Kelly was only with Max because of his fame as an F1 driver and his success on the track. The constant gossip and negative commentary began to put a heavy strain on their relationship. Kelly, who had always been on the sidelines of Max’s career, had to increasingly defend herself against critics.
“Every time I said something, people immediately assumed it was all about his status. But that’s absolutely not true,” Kelly said in a previous interview. “We really have a connection that goes beyond the glamour and spotlight of Formula 1.”
Max Verstappen has repeatedly made it clear in interviews that his relationship with Kelly is pure and based on true love, regardless of public opinion. Yet, he was often confronted with the question of why someone like Kelly Piquet, from a family of legendary racing drivers, would commit herself to a young, ambitious Formula 1 driver. Many people didn’t understand that love isn’t always logical.
Max Verstappen’s Protection of Kelly
Max Verstappen, known for his straightforward nature, wasn’t afraid to speak his mind about the criticism of his relationship. In an emotional response, he said: “People think they know why she’s with me, but no one has the right to say that. She’s with me because she loves me, that’s all. The criticism hurts me, especially because I know it’s not true.”
It was clear that Max was deeply affected by the constant criticism of his girlfriend. As public figures, Max and Kelly are always in the media spotlight, but what they often missed was the chance to simply be a normal couple, without the outside world interfering in their private lives.
Kelly herself has repeatedly stated that she found it difficult to be constantly under the media’s scrutiny. Yet, she emphasized that she wouldn’t change her relationship with Max for the world. “Everyone has an opinion about us, but the only thing that matters is that we’re happy together,” she said in an Instagram post. The love between them is one of the few constants in a life often influenced by external pressures.
Kelly’s Powerful Response
In a momentous moment, after Max shared his frustrations about the negative criticism they often faced, he received a message from Kelly that completely put things into perspective. The message was short but powerful: “We’ll stay together, no matter what anyone says.” These eight words were immediately shared on social media and went viral, highlighting the strength and trust in their relationship. The simple gesture was seen as a symbolic defense of their love amid the public storm.
Kelly’s message wasn’t just to Max, but also to their followers and critics: “We’re not giving up.” It was a sign of the resilience of their relationship, a bond stronger than any outsider could imagine, no matter the pressure.

The publication of Kelly’s eight words to Max sparked a huge wave of reactions on social media. Many of Max’s fans were deeply impressed by her powerful words and the way she shielded their relationship from outside criticism. “This is exactly what we expect from Max and Kelly – to be a team, stronger together,” one fan tweeted. Others praised the couple for their determination to remain true to themselves, despite constant criticism from the outside world.
“Max and Kelly show that love doesn’t always have to conform to what the world expects. They show us that relationships built on trust and respect are much more important than what others think,” another follower said. There were also critical reactions questioning the public image of their relationship, but the majority of reactions were positive.
The Future of Max and Kelly
While the constant media attention on Max and Kelly undoubtedly affects them, the couple remains steadfast in their love for each other. Max Verstappen has always said that he pursues his Formula 1 career for his own passion, not for the public eye. “I just want to win, not for the fame, but for myself and for those who support me,” he once said in an interview.
For Kelly, the challenge is to protect her relationship with Max while simultaneously maintaining her own identity and independence. She’s proven that she’s not just living in Max’s shadow, but that she’s a strong and independent woman herself, unafraid to express her feelings and set her boundaries.
The future looks bright for Max and Kelly, despite the obstacles they’ve overcome over the years. Their bond is a testament to the power of true love, unaffected by gossip or outside pressure. As Max continues to pursue his goals in Formula 1, Kelly remains a vital support system, and together they will undoubtedly face more challenges and victories.

Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have shown that love in the spotlight can be difficult, but it’s their shared strength and dedication to each other that keeps them going. They’ve not only maintained their relationship amidst public scrutiny but also emphasized the value of privacy, trust, and respect. Their story is a reminder that, regardless of outside expectations, the only thing that truly matters is the love and support two people have for each other.