Max Verstappen, the four-time Formula 1 World Champion, continues to win hearts both on and off the track. Recently, his pregnant girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, shared her delight over a touching gesture from the Red Bull Racing star, calling it “the sweetest welcome home ever.” As the couple prepares to welcome their first child together in 2025, this thoughtful act has melted fans’ hearts and showcased Verstappen’s softer side amid his high-octane career.

A Champion’s Thoughtful Surprise

On February 24, 2025, Kelly Piquet returned home from a trip to Miami, where she had been unwinding with friends. Waiting for her was a beautiful bouquet of red roses, a surprise orchestrated by Verstappen. The Brazilian model, who is in the final stages of her pregnancy, took to her Instagram Story to share a photo of the flowers, captioning it, “The sweetest welcome home ever.” The gesture came just as Verstappen gears up for the 2025 F1 season, with pre-season testing scheduled from February 26-28 at Bahrain’s Sakhir International Circuit.

Despite his busy schedule, Verstappen made time to ensure Piquet felt loved and appreciated. The 27-year-old Dutch driver, fresh off his fourth consecutive championship win in 2024, is balancing his pursuit of a fifth title with his impending role as a father. Piquet’s reaction highlights the couple’s strong bond, offering a glimpse into their personal life as they navigate this exciting chapter.

A Love Rooted in Motorsport

Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s relationship, which began in 2020, is steeped in racing heritage. Piquet, the daughter of three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet, grew up immersed in the sport. She shares a five-year-old daughter, Penelope, with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, and Verstappen has embraced his role as a stepfather with ease. The couple announced their pregnancy in December 2024, sharing a black-and-white photo of their hands on Piquet’s baby bump with the caption, “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way. We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.”

Their shared passion for motorsport has only strengthened their connection. Piquet, a model and social media influencer, is often seen supporting Verstappen at races, blending her own career with her partner’s high-profile success. Verstappen, meanwhile, has spoken about his excitement for fatherhood, telling Red Bull Racing’s TikTok in December 2024, “I’m already kind of a ‘bonus dad’ to Penelope, but I’m still very excited!”

The Gesture That Stole the Spotlight

Verstappen’s floral surprise comes at a pivotal moment. With the 2025 season looming, he’s under pressure to help Red Bull reclaim the Constructors’ Championship from McLaren, who outperformed them in 2024. Yet, his thoughtful gesture shows that he’s not letting the demands of F1 overshadow his personal life. The bouquet of roses—a classic symbol of affection—resonated deeply with Piquet, who has been vocal about maintaining her independence and energy during pregnancy. In a recent Instagram post, she emphasized the importance of staying active, writing, “It’s key to keep moving, but also to find moments to rest.”

Fans flooded social media with praise for Verstappen’s romantic side. One commenter wrote, “Max is a champion on the track and at home—Kelly is so lucky!” Another added, “This is the sweetest thing ever. Mini Verstappen-Piquet is going to have the best parents.” The gesture has only amplified the couple’s popularity, with their love story captivating the F1 community.

A New Chapter Awaits

As Verstappen prepares to defend his title, starting with the Australian Grand Prix later in 2025, the couple’s focus is also on their growing family. Piquet has hinted that their baby might arrive between race weekends, and Verstappen remains unfazed about the possibility of missing the birth due to his racing commitments. “There’s nothing I can do about it,” he told PlanetF1. “I’m not the one giving birth.”

The “sweetest welcome home ever” is more than just a romantic moment—it’s a testament to Verstappen’s ability to balance his relentless drive with genuine care for those closest to him. For Piquet, it’s a reminder of the support she has as she approaches motherhood once more. Together, they’re proving that even in the fast-paced world of Formula 1, there’s room for love, family, and heartfelt gestures.

Conclusion

Max Verstappen’s sweet surprise for Kelly Piquet has added a tender footnote to his 2024 championship legacy. As the couple awaits their “mini Verstappen-Piquet,” this gesture underscores their unwavering partnership. With the 2025 season on the horizon, fans will be watching not just for Verstappen’s on-track triumphs, but for more heartwarming moments off it.