Watch: Penelope Kvyat adorably runs towards Max Verstappen and hugs him as he's getting ready for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP qualifying
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen's girlfriend's daughter Penelope Kvyat was seen giving the four-time F1 world champion a hug before the qualifying in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Saturday, December 7. It has been a magical weekend on the personal front for the Dutch driver, as along with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet, he announced their pregnancy.
Verstappen and Piquet have been dating each other for the past four years and live together in the Dutchman's apartment in Monaco, along with Penelope. The 35-year-old Brazilian model is the daughter of former three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet Sr. and shares a five-year-old daughter with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
Max Verstappen and Penelope share a loving relationship, which was evident during the video posted by the Red Bull F1 on their Instagram. The 27-year-old was preparing himself for the qualifying session and adjusting his helmet when he got a loving hug from the five-year-old.
Another evidence of their dynamic was visible earlier in the weekend when the Red Bull driver was asked if he was excited to become a father, he replied:
"Of course, I'm already kind of a bonus dad. But I'm still very excited!"
When Max Verstappen delved into his dynamic with Penelope Kvyat
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen had previously spoken about his relationship with Kelly Piquet's daughter and stated that his aim wasn't to be a father to the five-year-old as she already had one in Daniil Kvyat.
Speaking with Time in 2022, the 63-time race winner said:
“I’m not the father, that’s not the aim. It’s always very important that she has a good relationship with her own father, which she has. But I see her every day when I’m at home. We get on very well. She’s very cute.”
Kelly Piquet, though, on her social media platform, Instagram, spoke about her overwhelming emotions after announcing her pregnancy but on her Story also posted a poignant message for women struggling with conceiving. She wrote:
“Can't express how happy we are. Thank you for all the sweet messages. I understand how these announcements can be challenging for those who are longing for a child.
"While such news is often a joyous occasion, it can also evoke feelings of sadness, frustration, or longing in those who are struggling with this. If that’s you, I’m sending all my love, my deepest hugs, and magic your way."
Max Verstappen is currently looking to end the 2024 season on a high given that he won the title for the fourth consecutive season this year.