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Kelly Piquet Makes First Race Appearance of 2025 as Max Verstappen Takes Pole at Monza

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Samriddhi Jaiswal | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 2:56 PM ET

Max Verstappen delivered a stunning qualifying performance at Monza on Saturday, taking pole position ahead of the McLarens and it came with a familiar face cheering him on in the paddock.

Kelly Piquet, Verstappen’s longtime partner, made her first race appearance of the year as the Dutchman set a new track record at the temple of Speed.

Piquet, daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, has been in a relationship with Verstappen for five years. The couple welcomed their first child earlier this year, which may explain her absence from the opening rounds of the season.

Until Monza, the last time she was seen trackside was in Abu Dhabi last year, where she celebrated Verstappen’s fourth consecutive World Championship.

With more than two million Instagram followers, Piquet is a well-known figure in the Formula 1 world, blending fashion influence with her role as Verstappen's partner. Her return to the paddock in Monza was noticed instantly by fans, many of whom highlighted the timing of her appearance as Verstappen secured pole in an unexpected run.

For Verstappen, the pole could not have come at a better moment. After a string of struggles this season, the Red Bull driver reminded the tifosi that he is still the man to beat.

❤️ pic.twitter.com/0V7OHMou5R
— kelly piquet fan (@kellyplover) September 6, 2025

His 1:18.792 lap not only secured P1 ahead of the both McLarens but also set a new lap record at Monza, showing that his dominance remains intact.

As Ferraru looks to fight back on home soil with Charles Leclerc starting fourth, Verstappen will head into Sunday’s race with both momentum and the support of Piquet, whose presence once again underscores the family side of life in F1.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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