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In Formula 1, where drivers live life in the fast lane and milliseconds matter, there exist a few rules that are sacred, not to be broken. Max Verstappen, the fearless Dutch racer, is known for one such rule, especially when he’s strapped into his home simulator. Recalling an old interview with the Washington Post, Max said, “On race day, I make sure no one is interfering. I close the doors and no one is allowed within 10 meters of my simulator.” Of course, rules are meant to be broken, especially when it’s for something as sweet as a little girl’s wish.

A heartwarming video surfaced recently, shared by @maxv1stappen__ on Instagram. Instead of seeing Max’s usual laser-focused gaze on the screen, fans caught a glimpse of something much more touching. Little Penelope, his girlfriend Kelly Piquet’s daughter, tiptoed into the room…

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To wish him goodnight, inadvertently shattering Max’s ’10-meter rule’. But the pièce de résistance? A gentle kiss on his cheek. It’s as if that moment froze time, reminding everyone that some things in life are simply bigger than the game. And the internet was abuzz with comments that could melt the coldest of hearts.

But don’t forget to check out the video: Interrupting the race to kiss Maxie gnite 😂🥰

Now let’s hear from the fans themselves how this made them feel…

And oh, did the Internet react! Afterall it’s Max Verstappen and Penelope!

The outpouring of reactions on the Internet resonated with a beautiful mix of sentimentality and warmth:

“Extra kisses for the birthday boy 🥰🥰🥰”— a heartfelt wish recognizing Max’s recent milestone.

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“She’s so fond of Maxie 🤗🥹😍a lovely little family 🧡,” shared another fan, the words dripping with genuine admiration for this endearing family tableau.

Emotions seemed to swell and overflow in many reactions: “P is literally the cutest🥹🩵,” “Seriously how can anyone hate this man ❤️”, “Max and P share a really lovely and friendly bond. It’s beautiful 😍🧡”, and the heartfelt “P and Max are great together. P loves him.❤️”. Every comment, every emoji, painted a tapestry of genuine love and admiration for the racer and the bond he shares with little P.

A comment that stood out beautifully captured the moment’s essence: “That’s a world champion stepfather, and we love to see it 👏❤️.” It wasn’t just about a racer; it was about a man, a family, and the ties that bind them.

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And then there were those who playfully confessed their emotional indulgence, “How many times have you watched this video? Me: Yes 😍😍😍😍😍”.

Others pointed out the ripple effects of such a touching moment, “The reason why I follow and try to watch Redline when Max is streaming 😂 ❤️ love the stories and also this.” And the earnest hope of one fan touched many, “Bro I hope Max and Kelly don’t break up because he has such a heartwarming bond with P.”

The video became more than just a fleeting moment. Comments like “Baby P is our princess 😍,” “My heart is going to explode 😭,” and “I love how everyone said goodnight to her 😭” encapsulated the myriad emotions that surged across the internet.

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Watch This Story | F1 Stars Max Verstappen & Lando Norris Go Wild With Their Girlfriends in Monaco

This was a snapshot of Max’s world away from the roaring engines—a glimpse into his heart. Moments like these remind us that beneath the helmets and overalls, beats a heart full of love. Sometimes, rules need to be broken, especially when they pave the way for memories that last a lifetime. And for fans? This was a collective embrace—a cherished pitstop in the race of emotions.

Written by

Pulkit Jai

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Pulkit is an F1 writer at EssentiallySports. With a strong academic background in engineering, he possesses an in-depth understanding of the intricate mechanics and technology driving Formula 1 racing. This expertise allows him to offer insightful analysis, exploring the technical aspects of the sport and shedding light on the innovative advancements that shape the world of F1.
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Edited by

Akash Pandhare