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Kelly Piquet

Verstappen wins in front of Kelly Piquet and her daughter to end 'bad luck' jinx

Kelly Piquet — Photo: © IMAGO

Verstappen wins in front of Kelly Piquet and her daughter to end 'bad luck' jinx

Dutchman's partner visited Japanese Grand Prix with her daughter to show support

By Lauren Sneath.

Max Verstappen has revealed that his partner Kelly Piquet was relieved that his Red Bull car suffered no reliability issues during the Japanese Grand Prix, because otherwise her daughter Penelope might think she brings bad luck to the three-time world champion.

Verstappen suffered a rare retirement in the recent Australian Grand Prix, after a rear right brake mechanical failure led to a small fire. It broke his 43-race points scoring streak.

READ MORE: Red Bull chief aims dig at his OWN driver after Japanese GP display

Piquet, who has been dating Verstappen since 2021, was present at the race, along with her young daughter.

Kelly Piquet in Australia with Penelope
Kelly Piquet in Australia with Penelope
Verstappen had to retire from the Australian Grand Prix
Verstappen had to retire from the Australian Grand Prix

Piquet and Penelope were in attendance at the Suzuka race, and the Dutchman said after the race that his girlfriend was relieved that Verstappen’s race was not as dramatic as his previous outing.

Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix
Max Verstappen won the Japanese Grand Prix

He told Viaplay: "She (Penelope) asked me ‘why did you retire?’ in Australia and I said, ‘Well the car was on fire!’

"I think Kelly is glad nothing happened today, otherwise she (Penelope) might feel as if she brings bad luck.”

Piquet, who shares her daughter with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, is often spotted at the F1 paddock to lend her support to Verstappen.

READ MORE: Red Bull driver change 'has to happen now' claims Schumacher

Related

Red Bull Max Verstappen Sergio Perez Japanese Grand Prix Kelly Piquet

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