Max Verstappen’s partner Kelly Piquet shines in elegant gown at Paris Fashion Week

As the Formula 1 paddock prepares for what's expected to be one of the most intense seasons of the current ground-effect era, Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet are readying themselves for the arrival of something much closer to home: a new baby. Shining in a black dress, the Brazilian-Dutch model and columnist attended Paris Fashion Week ahead of the season opener in Australia.

The daughter of the three-time world champion Nelson Piquet attended the event with a minimal but sophisticated look. She wore Charlotte Tilbury makeup - a sponsor of F1 Academy - a Nina Ricci mermaid dress, currently for sale on the brand's website for £1,165, and Tiffany & Co bracelets. She also wore a croc-effect leather Aquazzura clutch worth €1,495 on the brand's website.

Having been in a relationship with four-time champion Max Verstappen since late 2020, Piquet is a familiar face in the paddock. She's regularly seen supporting her Red Bull partner during race weekends when she's not travelling herself as a social media influencer and model. 

The two are expecting their first baby together, due sometime this year. 

"Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way," the Dutchman wrote on Instagram. "We couldn't be happier with our little miracle."

Following the reveal, Piquet shared a heartfelt message through an Instagram story.

"I understand how these announcements can be challenging for those who are longing for a child. While such news is often a joyous occasion, it can also evoke feelings of sadness, frustration, or longing in those who are struggling with this.

"If that's you, I'm sending all my love, my deepest hugs and magic your way." she wrote.

World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Red Bull Content Pool

While the 36-year-old is making headlines in Paris, Verstappen is focused on his 2025 season.

“I don't think we can fight for the win already in Melbourne,” Verstappen told the media, including Motorsport.com. "Everything [on the RB21] can be set up a little bit better in Melbourne than in Bahrain”.

Who does Verstappen see as the favourite going into 2025?

 “At the moment only one, and that team is orange! That's a very nice colour of course, but from our side, we still have work to do. Other teams want to see some improvements as well, I think, so at the moment one team is clearly in front.

“If you look at the lap times, then I think McLaren is the favourite. On our side, not everything went completely smoothly, but on the other hand we have some ideas on how to improve.”