In a surprising twist that has set the Formula 1 world abuzz, Kelly Piquet, wife of reigning world champion Max Verstappen, took a sharp dig at McLaren driver Lando Norris following his recent comments about Verstappen. Piquet’s pointed remark, “Hey mate, while you’re just sitting there criticising Verstappen all day, he’s trying to win,” has ignited a firestorm of reactions across the paddock and among fans, highlighting the intense rivalries that define the sport.
The drama unfolded after Norris, who has been a vocal competitor this season, made remarks questioning Verstappen’s driving style and Red Bull’s dominance. While Norris’s comments were not entirely unexpected given the fierce competition for the 2025 championship, Piquet’s response was a rare public intervention from a driver’s partner, adding a personal layer to the ongoing rivalry. Her sarcastic tone, delivered via a now-viral social media post, has divided opinions, with some praising her loyalty and others calling it an unnecessary escalation.
Verstappen, the three-time world champion, has been under scrutiny this season as he continues to dominate the grid. With Red Bull’s RB21 car proving nearly untouchable, Verstappen has secured multiple victories, leaving rivals like Norris, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, and Mercedes’ George Russell scrambling to close the gap. Norris, who has enjoyed a breakout season with McLaren, has been one of Verstappen’s most vocal critics, often pointing out the Dutch driver’s aggressive maneuvers and Red Bull’s strategic edge. However, Piquet’s retort suggests that Norris’s focus on verbal jabs might be detracting from his own performance.
The comment has sparked widespread debate about the role of drivers’ families in the public sphere. Piquet, a Brazilian model and daughter of F1 legend Nelson Piquet, is no stranger to the sport’s high-stakes environment. Her decision to weigh in has been seen by some as a bold defense of her husband, while others argue it risks inflaming tensions between the drivers. “Kelly’s comment was spicy, but it’s understandable—she’s standing up for Max,” said one fan on X. Another countered, “She should stay out of it. This is between the drivers, not their families.”
On the track, Verstappen remains laser-focused on securing a fourth consecutive title. With only a few races left in the 2025 season, the pressure is mounting for Norris and others to challenge Red Bull’s supremacy. McLaren’s recent upgrades have shown promise, but Norris’s consistency will be key if he hopes to overtake Verstappen in the standings. Piquet’s remark, while biting, underscores the mental and emotional toll of the championship fight, where every point and every word matters.
As the F1 circus heads to the next Grand Prix, all eyes will be on Verstappen and Norris to see if this off-track spat translates into on-track fireworks. Will Norris respond with a performance that silences his critics, or will Verstappen’s relentless pace prove Piquet’s point? One thing is certain: in the high-octane world of Formula 1, no controversy stays quiet for long.
