In a touching gesture that has warmed the hearts of fans worldwide, Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen took to social media to share a heartfelt birthday message in Dutch for Sylvia Tamsma, the mother of his partner, Kelly Piquet. The Red Bull Racing driver, known for his fierce competitiveness on the track, showcased his softer side by publicly celebrating Sylvia, whom he affectionately described as “a great woman” for bringing Kelly into the world. The message, posted on X, has sparked an outpouring of admiration for Verstappen’s thoughtfulness and the close bond he shares with Kelly’s family.
The three-time world champion, currently leading the 2025 Formula 1 Drivers’ Championship, is no stranger to the spotlight. However, his latest post was a departure from the usual race-related updates, offering fans a glimpse into his personal life and his deep appreciation for those closest to him. Verstappen’s message, written in his native Dutch, was both sincere and heartfelt, resonating with fans who often see him as a relentless competitor rather than a sentimental figure. The post read: “Gefeliciteerd met je verjaardag, Sylvia! Een geweldige vrouw die Kelly op deze wereld heeft gebracht. Maak er een mooie dag van!” Translated, it means: “Happy birthday, Sylvia! A great woman who brought Kelly into this world. Have a wonderful day!”
The message was accompanied by a warm photo of Sylvia, Kelly, and Verstappen, highlighting the close-knit relationship between the driver and the Piquet family. Kelly Piquet, a Brazilian model and influencer, is the daughter of legendary Formula 1 driver Nelson Piquet, a three-time world champion himself. The couple, who have been together since 2020, frequently share glimpses of their life together, including moments with Kelly’s daughter, Penelope, from her previous relationship. Verstappen’s public tribute to Sylvia underscores the importance of family in his life, even amidst the high-pressure world of Formula 1.
Sylvia Tamsma, while not a public figure like her daughter or former husband, has been a significant presence in Kelly’s life. Verstappen’s decision to honor her publicly reflects the respect and admiration he holds for her role as a mother. Fans on X quickly picked up on the post, with many praising Verstappen for his kind words and for embracing Kelly’s family so openly. One user commented, “Max is such a class act off the track. This is so sweet!” Another wrote, “Love seeing this side of Max. Sylvia must be so proud!” The post has garnered thousands of likes and reposts, amplifying the birthday wishes across the globe.
The gesture comes at a time when Verstappen is enjoying a stellar 2025 season, having secured multiple race wins and maintaining a strong lead in the championship standings. Despite his demanding schedule, which includes races, media obligations, and training, Verstappen has consistently made time to celebrate personal milestones with those he cares about. His relationship with Kelly Piquet has been a source of stability for the driver, with the couple often seen supporting each other at races and sharing lighthearted moments on social media.
Kelly Piquet also joined in the birthday celebrations, posting her own tribute to her mother on X. She shared a series of throwback photos and wrote a heartfelt message in Portuguese, thanking Sylvia for her unwavering love and support. “Mamãe, você é minha inspiração. Obrigada por tudo. Feliz aniversário!” she wrote, which translates to “Mom, you are my inspiration. Thank you for everything. Happy birthday!” The combination of Kelly’s and Max’s posts created a wave of positivity online, with fans of both the couple and Formula 1 joining in to wish Sylvia a happy birthday.
The Piquet family has long been a part of the Formula 1 world, with Nelson Piquet’s legacy as one of the sport’s greats casting a significant shadow. Kelly, who has carved out her own career in media and fashion, has often spoken about the influence of her family on her life. Sylvia Tamsma, while less visible in the public eye, has clearly played a pivotal role in shaping Kelly’s strength and character, something Verstappen acknowledged in his birthday message.
This public display of affection from Verstappen also highlights the growing trend of athletes using social media to share personal moments, humanizing them in the eyes of fans. For Verstappen, who is often portrayed as intensely focused and private, such gestures offer a refreshing perspective on his personality. His ability to balance his professional achievements with meaningful personal connections has endeared him to fans beyond his racing prowess.
As the Formula 1 season continues, Verstappen remains a favorite to clinch a fourth consecutive world championship title. His dominance on the track, coupled with his off-track humility and warmth, has solidified his status as one of the sport’s most beloved figures. The birthday message to Sylvia Tamsma is just one example of how Verstappen continues to win hearts, both in and out of the cockpit.
The outpouring of love for Sylvia’s birthday also serves as a reminder of the power of family in the high-stakes world of professional sports. For Verstappen, Kelly, and the Piquet family, these moments of connection are what ground them amidst the chaos of Formula 1. As fans continue to celebrate Sylvia’s special day, Verstappen’s heartfelt words will undoubtedly remain a highlight, showcasing the champion’s gratitude for the “great woman” who brought his partner into the world.
