Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet in emotional plea over 'ridiculous accusations' and 'lies'

Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet have both commented on 'false' and ‘ridiculous accusations’ facing the Brazilian model. The spotlight created by being a three-time world champion has attracted unwanted attention for Kelly and the 35-year-old has been forced to take to social media to condemn the actions of some of her followers.

Piquet, who formerly dated and had a child with axed Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat, has been targeted by online abuse and a series of fake news stories, making extreme and distressing allegations that the model vehemently denies.

In response to the rumours and accusations, Piquet took to her Instagram page to protest. “A note from me and a gentle reminder to all...The online world can be a wonderful place for various reasons, but a very scary one when wrong information and lies are thrown around,” she wrote.

“I am unsure of the appropriate approach to address hate stemming from falsehoods. I have considered composing a response and letting it stand. For over 3 years I've been navigating a very strange and upsetting wave of accusations, rumours, fabricated situations, fake testimonials, photoshopped screenshots... you name it.

“All the while staying silent and not playing into these ridiculous claims. Accusations made in the past months especially have taken on another level of defamation. Those who know me know that I would never put myself in such positions, say certain things or act in such a way."

Lending his support, Verstappen also commented on the post. “This has to stop,” he urged. “These false accusations by certain individuals on Instagram and TikTok are insane and ridiculous at the same time. Hate has no place in this world. We know what's true within our family and we are very happy together. I love you.”

This latest incident will do little to endear Verstappen to the world of social media, and the drama that comes with being a racing driver. The 26-year-old has made clear his desire to live a normal life during his time outside of the F1 paddock, but in the modern age, this is nigh-on impossible.

Speaking to De Telegraaf about his frustrations with the way F1 drivers are perceived, Verstappen said: "People might think, 'Well, he makes a lot of money, what is that guy complaining about?'

“But it's about your wellbeing, how you experience things and not how much you make. I feel like I have to do too much and skip other things [I enjoy doing], so I sometimes think, 'Is still worth it?'"