The season punctuated by Red Bull‘s unrivaled dominance has been nothing short of a Max Verstappen show. Carlos Sainz seized an unlikely yet deeply emotional pole position at the Temple of Speed—Monza, Ferrari‘s home turf. The day was a break from Verstappen’s unrelenting pursuit of F1 records—a pursuit keenly supported by his long-time partner, Kelly Piquet. Yet as Sainz celebrated, and Verstappen recalibrated, Kelly Piquet broke from her customary tributes. It was a race that could have seen him equating Juan Manuel Fangio’s coveted record. But fate had other plans.

So far, 13 races into the 2023 season, Max Verstappen has been an unstoppable force. Leading the championship with 339 points, Verstappen has grabbed 11 wins out of 13 races for Red Bull. His accolades don’t stop there; the Dutchman has also managed to surpass Ayrton Senna’s tally of 41 wins, boasting a personal record of 46. The Italian Grand Prix at Monza was an opportunity to inch closer to the top 10 winners in F1 history, with Verstappen’s 47th career win in sight. A win in Monza will further solidify his status as an F1 legend, potentially breaking Sebastian Vettel’s consecutive win record. The Italian GP presented another golden opportunity: equaling Fangio’s pole position record of 29. Yet, Carlos Sainz swooped in, robbing Verstappen of his historic moment.

What makes this twist even more compelling is how it resonated—or didn’t—within Verstappen’s inner circle. Kelly Piquet, who is frequently seen in the paddock and routinely celebrates Verstappen’s achievements on social media, refrained from posting her usual Instagram tribute. While Verstappen has been virtually unstoppable this season, this was a rare moment of vulnerability—and it seems to have reverberated within his closest support circle. Piquet was visibly present in the Red Bull garage, headset on, taking in every moment. Her decision to forgo her typical social media shout-out, a deviation from a pattern so consistent it’s almost ritualistic, raises eyebrows.

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It seems even those closest to him are feeling the gravitational pull of a season that refuses to follow the script. One thing is certain: while records are crucial, they are only one part of the narrative and Carlos Sainz has ignited a spark of hope for Ferrari fans. While the absence of Kelly Piquet’s social media support sparks questions about the state of Verstappen’s inner circle, it’s worth diving deeper into just how integral she—and those closest to him—are in his career.

The unsung pillars behind Max Verstappen

F1 is not a one-man show. Behind Max Verstappen’s stratospheric rise and dominating performance lies an often-overlooked support network. At the forefront of this emotional backbone is his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, who has been a constant presence since they began dating in late 2020.

Verstappen himself has acknowledged the vital role Piquet plays in his life. During a recent interview, he was moved to tears when discussing her impact, stating that her support was invaluable during his hard-fought 2021 championship. It’s not just Piquet; her daughter Penelope also adds a unique layer of support, to the point where Verstappen is already being termed Penelope’s stepdad.

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Watch This Story: “Perfect Stepdad” Max Verstappen’s Adorable Moment with Kelly Piquet’s Daughter Penelope

What do you think is this a mere hiccup in Verstappen’s otherwise charmed season, or does it hint at the mounting pressure felt by those in the champion’s orbit?