Kelly Piquet is a Brazilian model, commentator and social media expert who has recently gained significant attention for her relationship with Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen.
However, her popularity also stems from her connection to motorsport through her father, Nelson Piquet, a three-time Formula 1 world champion.
Outside of her personal life, Kelly has built a diverse career as a model, health and fitness trainer, and columnist for popular publications such as Marie Claire and Vogue Latinoamérica.
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- Full name: Kelly Tamsma Piquet Souto Maior
- Date of birth: December 7, 1988
- Age: 36 years old
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Homburg, Saarland, Germany
- Nationality: German-Brazilian
- Occupation: Model, commentator, blogger, public relations specialist
- Height: 5 feet 9 inches (175 cm)
- Parents: Nelson Piquet (father), Sylvia Tamsma (mother)
- Siblings: Nelson Piquet Jr., Pedro Piquet, Geraldo Piquet, Laszlo Piquet, Marco Piquet, Julia Piquet
- Spouse: None
- Children: Penelope Kvyat
- Relationship status: Currently dating Max Verstappen
- Religion: None
- Ethnicity: Mixed (Brazilian-Dutch)
- Net worth: $5 million
Early life and education
Kelly Piquet was born in Homburg, Germany, on December 7, 1988. She is the daughter of Nelson Piquet, one of the most successful Formula 1 drivers, and her mother, Sylvia Tamsma, a famous Dutch model. She comes from a family with a deep tradition in motorsports.
Growing up in a large family with five brothers and one sister, Kelly spent her early years in France before moving to Brazil at the age of 12. She lived in Brazil until she was 15, after which she attended boarding school in England.
At the age of 17, Kelly moved to the United States, where she completed her senior year of high school. She attended Marymount Manhattan College in New York, graduating with a degree in International Relations with a concentration in political science and economics.
During college, Kelly also explored fashion industry internships and worked with notable organizations such as Vogue Latinoamérica and Bergdorf Goodman.
Personal life
Kelly’s life has often attracted media attention, especially because of her high-profile relationships. She has been dating Russian Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat since 2017, and the couple welcomed a daughter, Penelope Kvyat, in July 2019.
However, their relationship ended later that year, shortly after the birth of their daughter. In 2020, Kelly began dating Dutch Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen, and the two went public with their relationship in early 2021 via Instagram.
Kelly and Max regularly share their lives on social media. Kelly has been at many of Max’s races, supporting him from the sidelines. She also co-parents their daughter Penelope with Kvyat, balancing family life and career.
Career
Kelly Piquet’s career is as varied as her background. She has worked as an editorial writer, social media consultant, model, and health and wellness coach.
Early in her career, Kelly wrote for Marie Claire magazine in Brazil and was responsible for Formula E’s social media coverage in 2015. As a public relations professional, she has also managed content strategies and public relations campaigns for various brands and played a key role in driving Formula E’s online presence.
Kelly also followed in her mother’s footsteps by pursuing a career in modeling. She has worked with brands like Pepe Jeans and PatBO and has walked the runway for several fashion shows.
In recent years, she has moved into the health and wellness field, becoming a certified health coach at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition in Monaco.
In addition to her professional endeavors, Kelly has an active social media presence. She shares her insights on fashion, health, and personal life and has garnered a significant following.
Net worth
Kelly Piquet’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth is due to her modeling, public relations and media career, as well as her influential social media presence.
Argumentative
Kelly Piquet has faced controversy over the years, particularly regarding her social media activity. In 2022, she was criticised for liking a post in support of her father, Nelson Piquet, after he made racist comments about Lewis Hamilton.
This sparked a backlash online, with many condemning her actions. Kelly did not publicly address the situation, but it did draw unwanted attention to her social media activity. In 2023, she faced further scrutiny when she appeared on the cover of Vogue Netherlands in a full racing suit, with the words “Pole Position”.
Some critics have suggested that the cover should feature a female racer instead of Kelly, as she is the spouse of a Formula 1 driver rather than an athlete. Despite the criticism, Kelly has maintained a public presence without making any statements.
Another controversy arose in July 2023 when Kelly was accused of promoting a paid campaign for a swimwear brand focused on plastic recycling.
Many of her followers criticized her post, calling it hypocritical. However, Kelly has denied these claims, saying she was not paid for the campaign and is genuinely passionate about environmental causes.
Social media
- Instagram: @kellypiquet
- Twitter: None
