Max Verstappen has been widely acclaimed by many as one of the greatest drivers of F1. He’s earned a lot of praise for everything he has achieved in the sport. However, there is one special place in his girlfriend Kelly Piquet’s life that Verstappen is yet to earn – a place that is occupied by her father Nelson Piquet Sr.
Considered to be an F1 great, Nelson Piquet was active in the sport during the late 70s and the 80s. In a career that spanned 14 years, Piquet managed to win three world championship titles. He conjured up a total of 23 wins and 60 podiums.
Nelson Piquet has said Max Verstappen would “smash” Lewis Hamilton if they were driving the same car 👀 pic.twitter.com/XgbxDjRZoP
— ESPN F1 (@ESPNF1) April 2, 2021
Verstappen has already managed to overtake Piquet in terms of wins and podiums. However, the Dutchman still falls short of the three championship titles won by Piquet. Although it seems likely that he will catch up with Piquet by the end of this year, Verstappen still hasn’t reached the level of his girlfriend’s father as of now, according to him.
Max Verstappen talks about Kelly Piquet
Ahead of the British GP, Verstappen appeared for an interview with Channel 4 Sport. He was asked by the interviewer Steve Jones if his girlfriend likes to call him two-time world champion Max Verstappen or just Max.
Verstappen smirked and replied that obviously, it’s not the former name. He then explained, “It’s probably also not that impressive to her right? Her dad is three times world champion.” He continued, “I’m still catching up.”
Jones immediately followed up and asked if Verstappen had any pet names. The Red Bull driver became shy instantly and said in a coy manner, “We call each other a bit different yeah, but I prefer not to say that on camera.”
Verstappen didn’t need advice from Piquet to beat Hamilton
Verstappen had made it clear back in 2021, that he doesn’t need any kind of words of wisdom about racing. During the intense title fight that was going on in the 2021 season, Verstappen was spotted alongside his girlfriend’s father, and 3x World Champions Nelson Piquet.
Max Verstappen and Nelson Piquet today pic.twitter.com/VHoryNvZQ3
— archive max (@archivemaxv) November 9, 2021
When asked if he had received any advice from Piquet, Verstappen had said, “I don’t need advice. I know what to do in the car and I don’t have to ask anyone.”
Since then, the Dutchman has gone on to win two world championships and is already en route to his third. Verstappen has already proven that he does indeed know what to do in the car.
