Max Verstappen’s girlfriend has just caused a stir on social media with a SHOCKING STATEMENT aimed squarely at the FIA: “If you don’t pass the PENALTY, Formula 1 is really a joke” after the collision at the Austrian GP!!
The Formula 1 world is no stranger to controversy, but the recent uproar following the Austrian Grand Prix has left the sport in a frenzy. The uproar was not caused by a team boss’s driver, but by Kelly Piquet, the partner of reigning world champion Max Verstappen. Her pointed comments against the FIA, the governing body of motorsport, sent shockwaves across social media, with fans and pundits alike blasting her bold exposure by saying the sport risks becoming a laughing stock if penalties are not imposed following a dramatic collision. The incident, which took place at the Red Bull Ring, has reignited debates about consistency, safety and fairness in Formula 1. Piquet’s apparent comments have only added fuel to a heated debate.
The Austrian Grand Prix was, as ever, a thrilling spectacle, with a small, fast circuit that produced some intense battles. However, the race took a controversial turn when a collision between Verstappen and rival – backed up by Lando Norris (McLaren) – left both drivers in trouble. The incident occurred as the two men battled for the lead, with Verstappen’s aggressive defending causing a collision that forced Norris to retire with damage. Verstappen himself suffered a puncture but managed to return to the pits. The stewards investigated the incident, but their decision not to impose a significant penalty on Verstappen caused outrage among fans, particularly those supporting Norris, who felt the Dutch driver’s manoeuvre was excessive and deserved a severe penalty.
Meet Kelly Piquet, a prominent figure in the F1 paddock and Verstappen’s longtime spouse. Known for her active social media presence, Piquet expressed her frustration with the FIA’s handling of the situation shortly after the race. In a viral post, she wrote: “If you don’t give penalties then F1 is a complete joke.” Her candid and unapologetic words struck a chord with many fans as she expressed her feelings about the inconsistency of the sport’s stewards. The post quickly gained traction, garnering thousands of likes, shares and comments within hours. Fans joined her in calling for accountability for her criticisms and her involvement in the sport’s complex political fabric.
Piquet’s statement prompted broader frustration within the Formula 1 community. The sport has long been dogged by accusations of inconsistent rule enforcement, with drivers and teams often left baffled by stewards’ decisions. High-profile incidents in recent seasons, such as the controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix or the various spats between Verstappen and other drivers, have only intensified calls for clearer guidelines and tougher enforcement. Piquet’s comments, while personal, echo a sentiment shared by many: the FIA needs to take a stronger stance if the sport is to maintain its credibility. However, her status as Verstappen’s partner has led her to question whether her comments were motivated by bias. It’s a question of whether she was defending her partner rather than objectively criticising the system.
The fallout from the incident at the Austrian GP was huge. Social media, and X’s name, was awash with reactions, ranging from support for Piquet’s candor to accusations that she was overstepping her role as a non-competitor. Some fans congratulated her on her comments, with one writing: “Kelly is right! Formula 1 needs to pull itself together. No punishment for this behavior? That’s ridiculous.” Others, however, found her comments inappropriate, with one writing: “She’s not a driver or an official. Why is she interfering?” These polarized reactions underline the divided nature of Formula 1, where driver and team loyalty often dictates fan opinion.
For Steps, the incident and its aftermath represent a new chapter in his controversial career. The three-time world champion is no stranger to aggressive racing and controversial moments, but his dominance on track has cemented his status as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers of all time. The absence of a penalty in Austria allowed him to retain the championship lead, but it also fueled debate over whether his driving style pushes the boundaries. Piquet’s public defence of his teammate, without directly addressing his actions, has inadvertently drawn more attention to the incident, propelling it to the forefront of the Formula 1 debate.
The FIA has yet to formally respond to Piquet’s comments, but pressure is mounting to address the inspiring discontent. With Formula 1’s popularity continuing to grow, thanks in part to global media attention and shows like Drive to Survive on Netflix, the governing body is under more scrutiny than ever. Piquet’s comments, while controversial, have sparked a much-needed debate about the future of the sport. Will the FIA take steps to ensure greater consistency, or will incidents like the one in Austria continue to divide fans and undermine confidence? For now, the Formula 1 world awaits answers, as Piquet’s bold words resonate in the paddock and beyond.