Kelly Piquet recently took to Instagram to share a touching throwback moment from the day Max Verstappen secured his first F1 world championship in 2021. Marking the third anniversary of that monumental achievement, Piquet posted a heartfelt tribute, reminiscing about what she called the “most memorable day.”
The 2021 F1 season was a dramatic and fiercely competitive year, culminating in an unforgettable finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Verstappen, driving for Red Bull Racing, found himself in a season-long battle against Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes. With on-track collisions, high stakes, and intense rivalries, the season kept fans on edge until the very last lap of the final race.
In the controversial closing moments at Yas Marina Circuit, Verstappen overtook Hamilton to claim his first world title. Amid the jubilation, Piquet was by Verstappen’s side, sharing a warm embrace that became an iconic image of the celebrations.
Reflecting on the occasion, Piquet shared the cherished memory on her Instagram story, captioned: “Three years since the most memorable day @maxverstappen1.”
Since that breakthrough triumph, Verstappen has grown into one of Formula 1’s most dominant drivers. In 2024, he clinched his fourth consecutive world championship, overcoming stiff competition from McLaren and Ferrari. Despite winning only nine races in a challenging 24-race season, Verstappen’s consistency and determination saw him secure yet another title.
For Piquet and Verstappen, the journey from that fateful day in Abu Dhabi to today has been one of continued growth, both on and off the track. The shared moment in 2021 remains a symbol of resilience, passion, and unrelenting pursuit of greatness.