Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet came together to celebrate the sixth birthday of Penelope Kvyat, known affectionately as P, on July 27. The celebration took place during the Belgian Grand Prix race weekend, marking a special moment for the young child and her family.
The birthday party was organized by the Piquet family, where Verstappen, currently a leading Red Bull driver, joined close family members and friends to honor Penelope’s milestone. In a video shared online, Penelope was the centre of attention as Verstappen and Piquet surrounded her with smiles and a birthday cake, highlighting the warmth of the event.
Background of Penelope Kvyat and Her Family Relationships
Penelope Kvyat was born on July 27, 2019, to Kelly Piquet and former Red Bull F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, who is Russian. Kelly and Daniil ended their relationship in early 2020, with Penelope remaining in the care of her mother. Following the separation, Kelly Piquet began her relationship with Max Verstappen, who had taken the place of Daniil Kvyat at Red Bull since 2015.
Verstappen and Piquet’s relationship has lasted nearly five years, during which they welcomed their first child together, Lily, in May of this year at the Miami Grand Prix weekend. Lily is Verstappen’s first child and Kelly’s second.
Verstappen’s Role in Penelope’s Life Clarified
Despite his close bond with Penelope, Max Verstappen has expressed that he does not intend to assume the role of her father. In a 2023 interview, he emphasized the importance of Penelope maintaining a strong relationship with her biological father, Daniil Kvyat, while acknowledging his own loving connection with her.
“I’m not the father, that’s not the aim,” Verstappen said. “It’s always very important that she has a good relationship with her own father, which she has. But I see her every day when I’m at home. We get on very well. She’s very cute.” —Max Verstappen
Verstappen is often seen sharing affectionate moments with Penelope at home, including times when she joins him during simulator sessions. Her charming presence has endeared her to many in the Formula 1 community, making her well-known among fans and fellow drivers alike.
Current Racing Season and Verstappen’s Championship Pursuit
Max Verstappen, now competing in his 11th Formula 1 season, remains a strong contender in the fight for the world championship. At present, he holds third place in the Drivers‘ Standings with 187 points. However, with fierce rivals from McLaren—Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris—leading the charge, Verstappen’s path to securing the title this season faces significant challenges.
The Significance of Family Support Amid Racing Challenges
The celebration of Penelope’s birthday highlights the close-knit family life Verstappen and Piquet share, even as they navigate the high-pressure world of Formula 1 racing. This blend of personal joy and professional ambition underscores the balance Verstappen seeks between his career goals and his roles within his growing family.