Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time Formula 1 world champion, was recently seen enjoying a relaxed day out with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet in St. Tropez, sparking a variety of responses from F1 fans. This Max Verstappen day out with girlfriend Kelly Piquet came at a crucial moment during the 2025 F1 season, as Verstappen currently holds third place in the driver standings behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Despite a challenging start to the current season and some recent setbacks, Verstappen has remained one of the standout drivers, skillfully managing the demanding Red Bull RB21 car while fiercely competing against his main rivals. The past three race weekends have been difficult for him, as he reached the podium only once and saw his position in the championship tighten. Taking advantage of a weekend off before the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix, Verstappen was spotted spending quality time with Kelly Piquet and her daughter Penelope Kvyat, enjoying a yacht outing on the water.

Fans React to Verstappen’s Leisure Time Amid Championship Pressures

Photos of Verstappen on the yacht quickly circulated on social media, leading fans to comment on his relaxed demeanor. Some offered humorous takes on his day out, fueling the lively F1 fan discourse.

“Guess Kelly’s swim lessons paid off lol.” —Fan

“Imagine Max Verstappen having better balance on a surfboard than his RB21.” —Fan

Other reactions captured both amusement and admiration for the candid moments shared during Verstappen’s break.

“This pic is frying me because kelly and p looked very photo ready and then BAM goes through max verstappen with his f**k ass life jacket.” —Fan

“He can only drive a car, that’s exactly what I want.” —Fan

“They love St Tropez. It’s so beautiful there.” —Fan

The timing of this outing is notable as the Austrian GP approaches, marking a pivotal race before two of Verstappen’s penalty points expire. Losing these points would alleviate the threat of a possible race ban, giving Verstappen a clearer path in the championship fight.

Expert Perspective on Verstappen’s Authenticity During Media Interaction

Amid off-track distractions, Verstappen has continued to demonstrate a candid personality that has earned him respect from experts in the F1 community. Peter Hardenacke, a respected F1 pundit, discussed Verstappen’s genuine demeanor during a tense exchange with Sky Sports F1 reporter Ted Kravitz following the 2025 Canadian Grand Prix.

Speaking on Sky Germany’s Backstage Boxengasse podcast, Hardenacke expressed his views on Verstappen’s approach to media scrutiny and team dynamics.

“I think [English] media are sometimes very harsh and direct in their questions. Max unmasked him: ‘What do you want now? Do you want me to blame one man? Because I don’t. We work differently on this team.'” —Peter Hardenacke

“I really appreciate that about Max, he is so clear and keeps eye contact all the time. I think that’s what makes him so unique. If you talk about authenticity, he is one of the most authentic people in the paddock.” —Peter Hardenacke

This candidness, Hardenacke suggests, distinguishes Verstappen in the paddock and underscores his commitment to the team‘s collective effort rather than pointing fingers after incidents — in this case, relating to questions about Stephen Knowles’s involvement in an on-track clash with George Russell.

As Verstappen prepares for the next important race in Austria, his focus on both personal well-being and maintaining a straightforward attitude toward challenges indicates a thoughtful approach to managing the pressures of defending his world title amid evolving competition.