Four-time F1 champion Max Verstappen retired from the Chinese GP after an issue with the RB22’s ERS cooling. The Dutchman’s girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, took to Instagram and dropped an adorable message for Verstappen after the disappointment of the Chinese Grand Prix.
Verstappen went into the Chinese GP after a stellar P20 to P6 driver at the Australian GP. However, the weekend at the Shanghai International Circuit was anything but a smooth one for the Dutchman. The Red Bull RB22 became a handful for the four time champion, who seemed frustrated throughout the weekend.
Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet took to Instagram and uploaded a story after her boyfriend’s horrid Chinese GP. The Brazilian model shared an image of their daughter Lily, looking at a cushion with Verstappen’s image printed on it. The caption of the story read,
“We can’t wait to see you ❤️❤️❤️❤️ @maxverstappen”
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet were blessed with a baby girl in April, 2025, just days before the Miami GP, and they named their first child Lily. The Dutchman has come out multiple times and revealed how his life has changed since becoming a father, and how he looks forward to going back home and spending time with his family.
Balance & grip issues in practice, calling the Red Bull undriveable in the sprint shootout, tire degradation & balance issues in the sprint race, no improvement to the car after turning the setup upside down before qualifying, and a DNF in the race were the story of Max Verstappen’s disastrous weekend in Shanghai.
After a difficult race start and an untimely safety car, Verstappen somehow managed to get the RB22 in P6 behind Oliver Bearman. Unfortunately, disaster struck as 13 laps from the chequered flag, the 28-year-old was asked to retire the car.
Max Verstappen opens up on becoming a father: “What I’ve always wanted in life”
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet will celebrate Lily’s first birthday next month as the Dutchman recently came out and reflected on becoming a father. The Red Bull driver also revealed his daughter’s emotions when he returns from a race weekend and leaves for the next one.
“It’s amazing. You really try to spend as much time in between races at home. It’s super important to be there as much as you can, to see them grow,” said Verstappen
“When you come back home, and she realises it’s you, and smiling at you , and being upset or sad when you’re leaving.. All these things, it’s what I’ve always wanted in life. To build a family,” he added
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet started dating in 2020 and made it official in 2021. The two announced the Brazilian model’s pregnancy with the Dutchman’s kid after the 2024 F1 season ended.
Edited by Pranay Bhagi
