Formula 1 superstar Max Verstappen is soaking up the sun and sea in Brazil, taking a well-deserved break to welcome the New Year with his family. The Red Bull Racing driver, along with his partner Kelly Piquet, their daughter Lily, and Piquet's elder daughter Penelope, has flown to Rio de Janeiro for a festive holiday.
Sun, Sand, and Family Moments in Rio
Kelly Piquet has been actively sharing glimpses of their intimate family vacation on social media, much to the delight of fans. The posts offer a rare look at Verstappen away from the racetrack, embracing his role as a father. In one video, the three-time world champion is seen energetically playing beach volleyball with a group of local boys, dressed in red shorts.
Another heartwarming clip captures a tender father-daughter moment. Verstappen is shown holding his baby girl, Lily, on the sandy shore, gently introducing her tiny feet to the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean. This trip marks Lily's first-ever visit to Brazil, a special milestone for the family.
A Look Back at a Landmark Year
The Brazilian getaway follows a year of significant personal milestones for the couple. In a reflective Instagram post, Kelly Piquet summarized their eventful 2025. She wrote about welcoming their second baby (Lily), moving into a new home, the arrival of their dog Nino, celebrating two baby showers, and gracing her second Vogue cover.
She also acknowledged the challenges, mentioning "exhaustion, and growth," and closed her note stating she was feeling "grateful, a little tired, and ready for 2026." Verstappen showed his support by liking the post. This New Year celebration is particularly special as it is their first in their new home with baby Lily.
Fan Reactions and Future on the Track
Fans were thrilled to see more of baby Lily, who was born in May last year. Many commented on her resemblance to the Verstappen family, with one fan noting, "I just know she is a copy of Max," while another compared her looks to Verstappen's sister, Victoria's daughter, Hailey.
On the professional front, Verstappen is preparing for a comeback season after narrowly missing his fifth consecutive F1 title in 2025. He lost the championship to McLaren's Lando Norris by a mere two points. The 2026 season will see him return to action with Red Bull Racing, beginning with pre-season tests in Barcelona and Bahrain. The official season kickstarts with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8.
For now, the champion is fully immersed in family time, enjoying the picturesque Brazilian coastline and creating precious memories as they step into 2026.
