Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet have concluded their relaxing family holiday in Brazil. The couple, along with Piquet's six-year-old daughter Penelope and their baby girl Lily, enjoyed a serene break in the coastal paradise of Angra dos Reis, Rio de Janeiro.
A Heartfelt Farewell to Brazil
As the vacation drew to a close, Kelly Piquet shared her bittersweet feelings on Instagram. Posting a collection of cherished photos from their trip, she captioned it with a poignant message: "Nothing that was will ever be the way it once was," accompanied by a mended heart emoji. The sentiment reflected her heartbreak at the holiday's end, a break that also included quality time with her parents and her brother, former F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr., along with his wife and child.
The Instagram post offered a glimpse into their idyllic retreat. Images showed Verstappen bonding with Penelope, playing with a giant ball on the beach and taking walks hand-in-hand around their resort. Other pictures captured tender moments of Piquet walking on the sand with Verstappen while holding baby Lily, introducing the infant to the Brazilian coastline. A solo shot featured Verstappen in a personalised Brazilian-coloured jersey, shorts, and matching slippers.
Family Celebrations and Fan Reactions
The visual diary also included a family portrait from their New Year's Eve celebrations on a yacht, with everyone dressed in white. Another heartwarming image showed baby Lily sitting on the lap of her grandfather, Nelson Piquet. The post attracted affectionate comments, including one from Piquet's sister-in-law, Patsy Zurita Piquet, who wrote, "Already missing you."
Fans were delighted by the candid family moments. One fan humorously noted Verstappen's casual attire, writing, "Little P strutting around, I wasn't expecting Max in flip-flops and a Dora the Explorer backpack." Another commented on the enduring nature of family bonds showcased in the photos.
Shifting Gears: Verstappen's Focus Turns to 2026 F1 Season
With the vacation over, Max Verstappen's attention now returns to the racetrack. His immediate focus is the launch of Red Bull's 2026 Formula 1 car, scheduled for January 15 in Michigan, USA. This event will also see the unveiling of the Racing Bulls team's livery.
The 2026 F1 season is poised to be a significant challenge, with sweeping new regulations set to change the competitive landscape. Verstappen will also have a new teammate at Red Bull. Following the departure of Yuki Tsunoda, who had replaced Liam Lawson at the start of the 2025 season, the seat alongside the reigning champion has been awarded to Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar. The young driver now has the monumental task of proving his mettle alongside the sport's dominant force.
As Verstappen trades the Brazilian beaches for the simulator and the garage, the F1 world eagerly awaits to see if he can continue his supremacy in a dramatically new era for the sport.
