What Kelly Piquet thinks of Max Verstappen's 'extracurricular' racing activities

Pulse Sports Team 14:42 - 15 October 2026

Max Verstappen has opened up on how his partner, Kelly Piquet, views his decision to compete in GT racing during his Formula 1 off-weekends.

The Dutchman is set to head to Portimão this weekend for the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup finale. The outing takes place during the gap between the current and upcoming triple-headers in the Americas. Verstappen will share a Mercedes-AMG GT3 with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat. The commitment leaves the four-time world champion with just a single free weekend across the final 11 rounds of the F1 calendar.

"I think it helps that she comes from a racing family, so she's much more understanding. To be honest, I always try to combine things. Even when I race, I find ways to spend time with the people close to me, including during a race weekend like this," Verstappen explained regarding Piquet's take on his demanding schedule. "We try to find solutions that work, but at the same time, she understands that for me to feel good and happy, there has to be a balance for both of us. We always compromise on both sides and make sure we spend as much time together as possible. She doesn't mind my racing at all. I think she enjoys it and is fully supportive, which definitely helps," the four-time champion added.