Why Do People Hate Kelly Piquet. Is She Turning Max Verstappen Into A Tyrannical Drive

In the world of Formula 1, Max Verstappen has become one of the most dominant and polarizing figures in recent years. As a multiple-time world champion, his aggressive driving style and unapologetic demeanor on the track have won him countless fans but also attracted criticism. However, there is one person in his life who has become just as controversial—his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet.

Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet, has been a constant presence by Verstappen’s side. She has supported him during his rise to dominance and often shares glimpses of their relationship on social media. Yet, despite being in a high-profile romance with one of the sport’s biggest stars, she has also become a divisive figure among fans.

Some blame her for Verstappen’s increasingly ruthless approach on and off the track, while others accuse her of enjoying the fame and power that comes with dating an F1 champion. The question remains—why do so many people dislike Kelly Piquet, and is she really influencing Verstappen’s personality and behavior in a negative way?

The Piquet Name and Its Controversial Legacy

To understand the backlash against Kelly Piquet, one must first look at her family background. Her father, Nelson Piquet, was an F1 legend but also a highly controversial figure. His outspoken and often offensive remarks have landed him in trouble multiple times, particularly when he was caught making racist comments about Lewis Hamilton.

This scandal alone caused many F1 fans to view the Piquet family in a negative light. Even though Kelly herself did not make those comments, her association with her father has led people to question her own values and beliefs. Critics argue that she has never publicly distanced herself from the controversy, leading some to speculate whether she shares similar attitudes.

Furthermore, Kelly’s previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat also adds to the criticism. She dated Kvyat for several years and even had a child with him before their relationship ended. Soon after their breakup, she began dating Verstappen, which led to accusations that she was only interested in being with top-tier F1 drivers.

Accusations of Social Climbing and Opportunism

One of the biggest reasons why Kelly Piquet is disliked by many F1 fans is the belief that she is a social climber. Before dating Verstappen, she was already involved in the F1 scene through her relationship with Kvyat. When she moved on to Verstappen, a driver who had just started solidifying his status as an elite competitor, many saw it as a calculated move.

Critics claim that Kelly enjoys the glamour, luxury, and influence that come with dating an F1 world champion. She frequently shares pictures of her lavish lifestyle, luxury vacations, and moments with Verstappen, which some fans interpret as flaunting her privileged position.

Another point of contention is her role as a “Formula 1 influencer.” Unlike other WAGs (wives and girlfriends) who maintain a more private lifestyle, Kelly actively engages with fans, brands, and sponsors. Some believe that she leverages her relationship with Verstappen to further her own social and professional standing rather than simply supporting him as a partner.

Is She Changing Verstappen’s Personality?

While Verstappen has always been known for his aggressive driving and fiery temperament, some believe that Kelly Piquet has influenced his attitude in ways that make him more arrogant and ruthless. The perception that Verstappen has become increasingly dismissive of his competitors and unwilling to accept criticism has led some fans to blame Piquet’s influence.

Supporters of this theory argue that Verstappen has changed significantly since entering into a relationship with Kelly. He has become more outspoken, less concerned about public perception, and seemingly more ruthless in his pursuit of victory. His once fiery but humble nature has, in the eyes of critics, shifted toward a more cold and calculated personality.

However, it is important to acknowledge that Verstappen’s evolution as a driver and public figure may have more to do with his experience in F1 rather than Kelly’s influence. As a driver fighting at the top, his mentality and approach to racing were bound to evolve with or without her presence.

The Perception of “Mean Girl” Energy

Another major factor in the dislike for Kelly Piquet is her perceived attitude. Many fans argue that she embodies a “mean girl” persona—someone who is exclusive, condescending, and dismissive of those outside her elite social circle.

Instances of this perception have been fueled by interactions on social media. She has been accused of liking and engaging with posts that subtly mock or undermine Verstappen’s rivals, particularly Lewis Hamilton. This has led to accusations that she fuels an “us vs. them” mentality among Verstappen’s fanbase.

In a sport as divided as F1, where the rivalry between Verstappen and Hamilton remains intense, any action that seems to add fuel to the fire is met with backlash. Critics argue that Kelly enjoys being part of the “winning side” and subtly encourages Verstappen’s more aggressive approach toward his competitors.

The Double Standard: Is the Hate Justified?

While Kelly Piquet certainly has her critics, it is also worth asking whether the backlash against her is fair. Many WAGs in F1 enjoy the luxury lifestyle, share their experiences on social media, and support their partners’ careers—yet they do not receive the same level of hate.

One possible reason why Kelly faces more scrutiny is that she is not just a passive figure in Verstappen’s life. She actively engages with the F1 world, brands, and fans, making her more visible and, therefore, more open to criticism.

Another factor is the general tendency of fans to blame a partner for a driver’s perceived shortcomings. If a driver becomes more arrogant, less likable, or more ruthless, the partner is often accused of being a bad influence. This has happened with other high-profile F1 relationships, but Kelly Piquet seems to receive an especially harsh level of criticism.

Max Verstappen’s Defense of Kelly

Despite all the negativity surrounding Kelly Piquet, Verstappen himself has never spoken badly about her in public. If anything, he seems genuinely happy in his relationship, often expressing his gratitude for her support.

While Verstappen has a reputation for being brutally honest, he has never hinted at any tension or controversy regarding Kelly’s role in his life. To him, she is a supportive partner, and if she were truly influencing him in a negative way, he would likely address it himself.

Final Thoughts: A Controversial but Misunderstood Figure?

At the end of the day, Kelly Piquet remains one of the most controversial figures in the F1 world. Whether due to her family’s legacy, accusations of opportunism, or her relationship with Verstappen, she continues to be a polarizing figure among fans.

However, while many criticize her, others argue that she is simply living her life and supporting her partner in a competitive and high-pressure sport. Whether she has truly influenced Verstappen’s personality for the worse or is simply an easy target for fans looking to assign blame remains a matter of debate.

One thing is certain—her presence in the F1 world will continue to spark conversations, and as long as Verstappen remains at the top of the sport, Kelly Piquet will remain a subject of both admiration and controversy.