In a surprising departure from the high-speed world of Formula 1, Max Verstappen took the world by storm—this time not with a pole position or an overtaking maneuver, but with an intimate and deeply romantic gesture that left fans stunned and the media buzzing. Over the idyllic skies of Saint-Tropez, France, Verstappen arranged for a massive hot air balloon to float majestically across the horizon, bearing the heartfelt message: “I Will Love You Forever, Kelly Piquet.”
The gesture, elegant in its simplicity yet grand in its execution, was both a public declaration of love and a reminder that even amidst the fierce competition of international motorsport, tenderness and emotion still find their place. Witnesses reported seeing the balloon just after sunrise, glowing against the pale blue sky, drifting peacefully over the luxurious villas and coastlines of the French Riviera. The message, printed in bold cursive on a long flowing banner, was visible from several vantage points across the town and quickly became the subject of social media frenzy.
Verstappen, known for his laser-focused mentality on the track, has always kept his personal life relatively low-key despite dating Brazilian model and F1 royalty Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time World Champion Nelson Piquet. The couple has been together since late 2020, and while they have occasionally shared glimpses of their relationship online, this is by far the most dramatic—and heartfelt—public expression Verstappen has made.
What made the moment even more astonishing was what happened shortly after the balloon appeared. As crowds gathered along the waterfront to capture photos and videos, a second, smaller balloon emerged from behind the hills—this one carrying Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet themselves. The pair waved cheerfully to the crowds below, with Piquet visibly emotional as she embraced Verstappen mid-air, clearly overwhelmed by the gesture. The scene was cinematic, surreal, and profoundly personal—yet shared with the world.
Within hours, the images had gone viral. Fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with posts ranging from admiration to disbelief. Hashtags like #MaxAndKelly and #BalloonProposal began trending, as many speculated whether the act was in fact a marriage proposal. Red Bull Racing remained silent on the matter, offering no comment, while Verstappen’s management team only confirmed that the event was “a private celebration of love.”
Despite the lack of official confirmation, eagle-eyed fans noticed a new ring on Kelly’s left hand later that evening as the couple was photographed dining at a seaside restaurant in Saint-Tropez. Whether or not a proposal actually took place remains unconfirmed, but the symbolism of the moment was unmistakable.
What struck many fans most was the contrast between Verstappen’s usual intense demeanor and the vulnerability expressed in this act. For a driver often described as aggressive, even cold, on the circuit, this romantic demonstration has reshaped public perception, revealing a side of the World Champion rarely seen.
In the days following, even fellow drivers and team principals weighed in, with Lewis Hamilton commenting lightheartedly, “I guess Max is racing for hearts now too,” while former teammate Daniel Ricciardo joked, “Well, that’s one way to secure pole position in love.”
Whether it was a grand proposal, an anniversary celebration, or simply a poetic expression of affection, Max Verstappen’s balloon over Saint-Tropez will be remembered as one of the most touching moments in recent sports history—proving that even champions with speed in their veins can have romance in their hearts.
