In the world of motorsports, few personalities are as closely tied to the sport’s elite as Kelly Piquet. Known not just for her familial connections—being the daughter of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet—but also for her high-profile relationships, Kelly has always been in the spotlight. However, in recent months, fans and followers have noticed a conspicuous absence from her usual activities. Many have speculated about the reasons behind her sudden retreat from the public eye, and now, Kelly Piquet has finally addressed the rumors.

In a candid interview, Kelly broke her silence, stating, “In this, I can only trust myself.” But what exactly does this mean? Why did Kelly Piquet choose to take a step back, and what does the future hold for her? Let’s dive deeper into her explanation.

Kelly Piquet’s life has always been one filled with attention and scrutiny. As the daughter of a legendary Formula 1 driver, she was thrust into the limelight from an early age. Yet, despite growing up in the shadow of her father’s monumental career, Kelly carved her own path, building a career as a model, influencer, and socialite. Her relationship with Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen has kept her in the news, particularly as Max’s career skyrocketed with his multiple world championship victories.

Her glamorous lifestyle, often documented on social media, made her a frequent subject of headlines. From attending the most exclusive events to her close involvement in the F1 paddock, Kelly seemed to be thriving. But behind the glamorous photos and high-profile appearances, Kelly was grappling with personal issues that ultimately led her to distance herself from the public eye.

For Kelly, living under the constant spotlight has been both a privilege and a burden. Her family name alone carries an immense weight, and over time, that pressure began to take its toll. While her father’s legacy is a source of pride, it has also been a source of high expectations that she has felt throughout her life. 

“People think that because I come from a famous family, everything is easier for me,” Kelly stated. “But what they don’t realize is that it comes with its own set of challenges. The expectations are overwhelming, and there are moments when I feel like I’m constantly being compared to my father or even Max.”

This unrelenting comparison to her father and her high-profile partner has left Kelly feeling like she’s living in a fishbowl, where her every move is scrutinized. She confessed that, at times, it feels as though she’s being held to impossible standards.

In the interview, Kelly Piquet admitted that the pressures of public life became too much to bear. Her decision to step back was rooted in a deep need for self-reflection and self-trust. “In this, I can only trust myself,” she explained. “There comes a time when you have to stop listening to what everyone else expects from you and start focusing on what you expect from yourself.”

This self-trust that Kelly refers to is not just about making decisions for herself, but also about finding peace with who she is, independent of her father’s legacy or her relationship with Max Verstappen. Kelly stressed that it’s important for her to reclaim her identity, outside of the public’s expectations and judgments.

One of the key reasons behind Kelly Piquet’s absence was her mental health. Over the past few years, there has been a growing awareness around mental health issues in sports and public life, and Kelly is one of the latest personalities to open up about the importance of prioritizing one’s well-being.

“People often assume that because someone has money, fame, or influence, they don’t have any problems,” she explained. “But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve had to confront my own issues, and I realized that in order to get better, I needed to take time for myself.”

Kelly revealed that her absence was not only about stepping back from the public eye but also about seeking professional help to navigate the challenges she has faced. She emphasized that mental health should never be taken lightly and that anyone in the public sphere should feel empowered to prioritize their well-being over maintaining a certain image.

Another factor that played into Kelly’s decision was her relationship with Max Verstappen. Being in a relationship with one of Formula 1’s biggest stars has brought its own set of challenges. While the couple has often been pictured as the epitome of happiness and success, Kelly admitted that their relationship has had its ups and downs.

“Max and I have a great relationship, but it’s not without its struggles. The constant traveling, the pressure of the sport, and the public attention can make things difficult,” Kelly said. “It’s something that we’ve had to learn to navigate together.”

Despite the challenges, Kelly expressed gratitude for Max’s support during her time away from the public eye. She credited him with being a constant source of encouragement as she worked on finding herself again.

As Kelly Piquet continues to focus on her personal growth, she remains optimistic about the future. While her absence has sparked rumors about potential career changes or even a complete retreat from public life, Kelly clarified that she has no intention of disappearing for good.

“I needed this time to reset,” she said. “But I’m not going anywhere. I have big plans for the future, and I’m excited to share them when the time is right.”

Kelly hinted at several upcoming projects that she has been working on during her break, though she remained tight-lipped about the specifics. However, she did express a desire to use her platform to promote causes that are close to her heart, including mental health awareness and environmental sustainability.

Kelly Piquet’s decision to step back from the public eye was a necessary one, allowing her to regain control of her life and her narrative. By choosing to prioritize her mental health and focus on trusting herself, Kelly has shown incredible strength and resilience in the face of public pressure.

As she looks to the future, there’s no doubt that Kelly Piquet will continue to inspire those who follow her journey. In a world that often demands perfection, her willingness to be vulnerable and take time for herself is a reminder that sometimes, the most important person to trust is yourself.