Kelly Piquet has spoken candidly about the reality of living under constant public attention, revealing that while she has learned to ignore much of the criticism directed at her online, there is one boundary she refuses to let anyone cross.
The Brazilian model, influencer, and longtime Formula 1 personality shared her thoughts during a recent appearance on the Not Alone podcast hosted by Valeria Lipovetsky. In one of her most personal interviews yet, Piquet reflected on the pressures of life in the F1 spotlight and the impact social media has had on her and her family.
Now 37, Piquet has become one of the sport’s most recognizable figures away from the racetrack. She is the partner of four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen, and together they are raising their one-year-old daughter, Lily. Kelly is also the mother of six-year-old Penelope, whom she shares with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
As Formula 1 has experienced a surge in global popularity in recent years, particularly following the success of Netflix’s Drive to Survive, drivers and those close to them have found themselves under greater public scrutiny than ever before. While the increased attention has created new opportunities, it has also led to relentless online criticism and speculation.
Speaking about her experience, Piquet admitted that she has gradually become less affected by negative comments aimed at her appearance, fashion choices, or lifestyle. She explained that maturity has helped her separate social media opinions from reality and understand that the public only sees a carefully selected portion of her life.
According to Piquet, what people see on Instagram or other social platforms represents only a small glimpse of her daily life with Verstappen and their family in Monaco. Because of that, she no longer feels the need to respond to every critical remark or seek approval from strangers online.
She noted that confidence in her own life and the truth of her personal relationships has made it easier to ignore superficial judgments. Whether criticism focuses on what she wears, how she looks, or the choices she makes, she believes there is little value in allowing such opinions to affect her happiness.
However, Piquet made it clear that there is one issue she considers completely unacceptable.
While she can brush off personal attacks directed at herself, she draws a firm line when false stories or harmful comments involve her family—especially her children.
She explained that misinformation and deliberately twisted narratives are far more troubling than ordinary criticism. For Piquet, attacks on her loved ones go beyond acceptable public discussion and represent a boundary that should never be crossed.
As a mother, she said her priority will always be protecting Penelope and Lily from unnecessary public attention and online hostility. She stressed that while she accepts being a public figure and understands that criticism comes with the territory, her children should never become targets of internet abuse or speculation.
Her comments have resonated with many Formula 1 fans, who praised her honesty and applauded her stance on protecting her family despite living in one of the world’s most high-profile sporting environments.
With Formula 1’s global audience continuing to grow, Piquet’s remarks also highlight the increasing challenges faced by drivers and their families, who often find themselves navigating intense public interest while trying to preserve a sense of normal family life away from the spotlight.
