Kelly Piquet and Lando Norris: The controversy that shakes Formula 1

Formula 1 is not only a speed and precision show, but also a scenario where emotions, rivalries and statements outside the track capture the attention of the world. In recent days, an exchange of words between Kelly Piquet, a couple of the Tetracampeón Max Verstappen, and the McLaren pilot, Lando Norris, has lit the social networks and unleashed a storm in the paddock. What began as a sarcastic Piquet comment has climbed into a controversy that has divided fans and added a new chapter to the intense 2025 season.

It all started when Kelly Piquet, known for her presence in social networks and her unconditional support to Verstappen, launched an unexpected dart towards Lando Norris during an interview after the Italy Grand Prix. In a tone that mixed humor and challenge, Piquet said: “Lando is not up to my husband.” The statement, although brief, was enough to generate a stir among the followers of Formula 1, especially considering the fierce competition between Verstappen and Norris in the fight for the championship. The phrase, loaded with a provocative tone, seemed to reflect not only Piquet’s confidence in Verstappen’s skills, but also a direct criticism of the British pilot, who has emerged as one of the main contestants in the season.

Lando Norris, known for his charism and his most relaxed approach outside the track, soon responded. In a later press conference, McLaren’s pilot released a replica of just 15 words that unleashed Piquet’s fury: “Maybe Kelly should try to drive a F1 before commenting on my level.” The answer, ingenious and loaded with irony, was received with laughter by some journalists, but did not fell well in the surrounding environment. Piquet, visibly upset, took social networks to express his discontent, publishing an Instagram message that said: “Some should learn to respect before speaking. Max’s talent speaks for himself.” This exchange has fueled the tensions between the two sides, with the fans discussing whether Norris crossed a line or if Piquet was the one who initiated the controversy with his initial comment.

The 2025 season has been particularly intense, with McLaren and Red Bull pouring a battle without a quarter both in the pilot championship and in the builders. Verstappen, with his aggressive style and his relentless mentality, has dominated Formula 1 in recent years, but Norris and his partner Oscar Piestri have shown that McLaren is ready to challenge the reign of Red Bull. In the Italy Grand Prix, Verstappen achieved an impressive victory, surpassing Norris and Piestri in a race that stood out for McLaren’s controversial decision to exchange positions among his pilots. According to the Motorsport.com media, Verstappen commented with a mixture of surprise and sarcasm about McLaren’s strategy: “Have you exchanged positions? Ha! Just because your Pit-Stop was slow?” This comment reflects the confidence of the Dutch, but also his willingness to take any opportunity to highlight his superiority.

The background of this controversy is not only personal, but also reflects the competitive dynamics of Formula 1. Norris, who has openly spoken about his admiration for certain features of Verstappen, as his attitude of “I don’t care about anything”, he has also made it clear that he prefers a different approach. In an interview with Viaplay, Norris explained: “I admire Max’s mentality, but it’s not my style. I want to win my way, being faithful to myself.” This statement shows the difference of personalities between both pilots, which makes Piquet’s comment even more significant. When questioning the level of Norris, Piquet not only defended Verstappen, but also seemed to challenge the authenticity of the British approach.

The reaction in social networks was swift. Verstappen fans praised Piquet for their loyalty and their willingness to defend their partner, while Norris’s followers applauded their ingenious response, seeing it as a way to maintain composure against provocation. Some users on platforms such as X pointed out that the rivalry between Verstappen and Norris, which had already intensified after track incidents such as the 2024 United States Grand Prix, where Norris received a penalty for a controversial overtaking, has reached a new level with this dispute outside the track. According to Infobae, that incident in Austin generated criticism towards Verstappen for its defensive style, but also towards Norris for its maneuver outside the track limits.

Kelly Piquet, daughter of the world tricampeón Nelson Piquet, is no stranger to the cameras or the pressure of the world of formula 1. its relationship with Verstappen, which began in 2020, has been a constant point of interest for the media, especially for its active presence in the careers and their interaction with the fans. However, this is not the first piquet friction with Norris. In 2024, Piquet had already joked on Instagram about Norris occupying his seat in Verstappen’s private jet, to which he commented: “You are sitting in my seat.” Although that interaction was in a friendly tone, the recent exchange shows that the dynamics between them has taken a more tense turn.

Meanwhile, Max Verstappen has chosen to stay out of the controversy, focusing on its preparation for the next races. In an interview with Sky Sports F1, the Dutch remained importance to tensions with Norris: “Lando and I competed on the track, but out of it there are no problems. People in social networks exaggerate everything.” This statement suggests that Verstappen prefers to let its performance on the track speak for it, although its sarcastic comments on McLaren’s strategies indicate that you are not exempt from adding firewood to the fire when the opportunity allows it.

The controversy has also revived the debate on the role of pilots’ couples in Formula 1. While some consider that Piquet is in their right to defend Verstappen, others argue that their comments could add unnecessary pressure to the already intense rivalry between the pilots. In a sport where psychology plays a crucial role, Piquet’s words and Norris’s response have opened a window to the tensions that underlie the fight for the title. Zak Brown, head of McLaren, came out in defense of Norris, highlighting his commitment to mental health and criticizing the use of personal comments such as competitive tactics: “Using this topic as a tool seems to me in bad taste,” Brown said in an interview with TyC Sports.

As the 2025 season advances towards its final stretch, with key races such as the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on the horizon, the rivalry between Verstappen and Norris promises to continue being the center of attention. The controversy between Piquet and Norris has not only added a touch of drama to Formula 1, but also reminded fans why this sport is much more than speed: it is a scenario where personalities, rivalries and emotions are intertwined to create stories that transcend the track. Can Norris use this controversy as a motivation to close the gap with Verstappen? Or will it be the unwavering confidence of Piquet in your partner one omen of another title for the Dutch? Only time, and the next races will say it.