In a moment that interlaces personal encouragement with professional triumph, Kelly Piquet took to social media to show her unwavering support for beau Max Verstappen at the electrifying Brazilian Grand Prix. The circuit, alive with the roar of engines and the palpable excitement of fans, witnessed a remarkable achievement as Verstappen shattered a long-standing Formula One record.

Piquet’s Instagram story, featuring an image from the Brazilian GP, captures more than just a snapshot; it encapsulates a moment of personal pride and public celebration. Her presence at the event underscores the support systems that often go uncredited in the grueling world of motorsports.

The Kelly Piquet effect for Max Verstappen

As the engines shut down on the tracks of Interlagos, Max Verstappen emerges not just as the winner of the race but also as the new holder of an unprecedented win percentage in a single season. With an awe-inspiring 85% win rate, Verstappen has eclipsed Alberto Ascari’s record, a benchmark that has stood untouchable since 1952.

As the 2023 season heads towards its final laps, Max Verstappen has already secured a victory that transcends the championship—a triumph that will be celebrated by racing aficionados and etched into the sport’s history. From the flicker of the starting lights to the waving of the checkered flag, his performance this year has been nothing short of spectacular—a true embodiment of racing excellence.

This seamless blend of personal and professional triumph sets the stage for a retrospective glance at the record books.

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Max Verstappen’s 7-decade record-breaking in detail

Ascari, a name that resonates with the golden era of racing, had previously set a formidable record with a win rate of 75% during the 1952 season, taking the chequered flag in six out of the eight races. However, Verstappen’s relentless pursuit of victory has seen him stand atop the podium 17 times in 20 races, propelling his win rate to an astonishing 85%—a feat that remains unparalleled in the modern era of the sport.

Even as two races remain on the calendar, the Dutch phenomenon’s win percentage for the season sits comfortably above Ascari’s, placing him above the sport’s earliest world champions, which is a rare feat in modern-day F1.

This epoch-making accomplishment puts Verstappen’s performance in stark contrast with other legendary seasons, such as Michael Schumacher’s impressive 72.22% win rate back in 2004. While Schumacher’s season remains iconic, Verstappen’s current trajectory has not only surpassed this milestone but also firmly placed him in the realm of Formula 1 immortals.

Beyond the numbers, this season is a narrative of relentless excellence from Verstappen and the Red Bull Racing team. It tells a story of not just mechanical precision but also of Verstappen’s skillful driving, unyielding spirit, and strategy that has consistently outsmarted the competition on the grid.

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The young driver’s phenomenal win rate is a vivid testament to his prowess and the cutting-edge performance of his team, signaling a new era in Formula 1 racing where records are not just broken, but vaulted over with remarkable prowess.