Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen remains a central figure in motorsport, not only because of his unparalleled achievements on the track, but also because of the dynamics surrounding his personal life and future at Red Bull Racing. Recently, Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet has garnered attention by making three strict requests to Red Bull’s management in an effort to secure the Dutch driver’s future with the team. The requests, which have caused a stir in the Formula 1 world, shed new light on the internal tensions within Red Bull and Piquet’s influence on Verstappen’s career.

Kelly Piquet, a Brazilian model and influencer with a background in motorsport as the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, has been Verstappen’s partner since 2020. She is no stranger to the paddock and has established herself as an important figure in the driver’s life, both personally and professionally. Her recent requests to Red Bull come at a time when the team is facing challenges, including the disappointing performance of the RB21 car and rumours of unrest within the management, with the Formula 1 world watching with keen interest to see how this situation will develop.

According to sources close to the team, Piquet has made three clear demands of Red Bull. While the exact details of the first and third demands have not been fully made public, it is speculated that they relate to improving the car and guarantees over Verstappen’s long-term position within the team. The RB21 has struggled to compete with the dominant McLaren machines this season, and Verstappen has expressed frustration with the car’s performance on several occasions, most notably during the Austrian Grand Prix where he qualified seventh. The situation has fueled speculation that Verstappen could move to another team, such as Mercedes.

Piquet’s second request, which was unanimously accepted by Red Bull, reportedly concerns improved communication and collaboration between Verstappen and the engineering team. Sources suggest that Piquet has pushed for Verstappen to be more closely involved in the development of the car, with his feedback being more directly integrated into future updates. This request appears to follow Verstappen’s own statements, where he stressed that the team needs to work harder to address the RB21’s weaknesses. Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko confirmed earlier this year that Verstappen regularly visits the factory to speak to engineers about improvements, suggesting an existing involvement that is now being further formalised.

Piquet’s requests have drawn mixed reactions from within the Formula 1 community. Some fans and analysts have praised her involvement and seen her as a stabilizing force in Verstappen’s life, while others have questioned her direct involvement in team affairs. Piquet’s background in motorsport and her experience as a health and wellness coach in Monaco make her uniquely positioned to support Verstappen both on and off the track. Her advocacy for a stronger partnership between Verstappen and the team is seen by many as a logical step, given his pivotal role in Red Bull’s success.

In addition to the professional implications of Piquet’s requests, the couple’s personal lives also remain in the spotlight. In April 2025, Verstappen and Piquet welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Lily, which has further strengthened their bond. Piquet’s role as mother and stepmother to Penelope, her daughter from a previous relationship with Daniil Kvyat, has softened her public image and increased her popularity among fans. Her recent appearance at an event in Lisbon, where she appeared to accidentally hint at a possible engagement to Verstappen, sparked a wave of speculation on social media.

Verstappen’s future at Red Bull will depend on how the team responds to these demands and whether they can make the RB21 competitive in a season dominated by McLaren. For now, Verstappen, who has a contract until 2028, appears loyal to Red Bull, but Piquet’s influence and requests could play a decisive role in his final decision. As the Formula 1 world gears up for the British Grand Prix, the question remains how Red Bull will approach these challenges and whether Piquet’s involvement will make the difference in Verstappen’s quest for a fifth world title.