The Formula 1 paddock is no stranger to drama, but a recent comment from Max Verstappen’s girlfriend Kelly Piquet has sent shockwaves through the community. In a shocking outburst, Piquet referred to Mercedes driver George Russell as an “old boy”, a pointed remark that has sparked debate among fans, drivers and commentators alike. The remark, made during a recent interview, has raised eyebrows and fuelled the already intense rivalry between Verstappen and Russell.

The incident stems from a heated exchange between Verstappen and Russell during a recent Grand Prix weekend. Tensions have been running high between the two drivers, with Russell often openly speaking about his ambitions to challenge Verstappen’s dominance. While the details of the latest clash remain unclear, Piquet’s comment appears to be a direct criticism of Russell’s attitude and perceived immaturity on the grid. His choice of words, particularly “outdated”, has sparked much speculation about the underlying context and what prompted such a bold statement.

Piquet, a prominent figure in the world of F1 due to her relationship with the reigning champion and her own experience as the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, is known for her active presence on social media and in the paddock. Her comments have attracted widespread attention, with some praising her for defending Verstappen while others criticising her for meddling in the driver rivalry. Social media platforms, particularly X, have been the target of backlash, with fans divided on whether Piquet’s comments were justified or unnecessarily provocative.

Russell, known for his calm and articulate responses, has yet to publicly comment on Piquet’s comments. However, sources close to Mercedes suggest that the young Briton is not shaken and is instead focused on his performance throughout the 2025 season. Russell’s rise in F1 has been marked by his ability to compete with top drivers such as Verstappen, and this incident could only intensify the rivalry between them in the coming races.

The wider F1 community has also weighed in. Some experts argue that Piquet’s comments risk turning personal tensions into professional conflicts, potentially undermining the sport’s competitive spirit. Others see it as a reflection of F1’s high-stakes environment, where emotions often run high. Teams and drivers are now under scrutiny to maintain professionalism as the season approaches crucial races.

The controversy underscores the personal dynamics often intertwined with the competitive nature of F1. While Verstappen continues to dominate on the track, off-track stories like this keep the sport in the headlines. As the F1 circus moves into the next race, all eyes will be on Verstappen and Russell to see if this verbal taunting translates into a heated on-track battle. For now, Piquet’s comments have ensured the spotlight remains firmly on the drama surrounding two of F1’s brightest stars.