Max and Kelly kick off 2021 in the tropics

©Instagram

The romantic relationship between Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet was an open secret in the F1 paddock in 2020 but the young couple took the opportunity of the New Year to officialize their tie-up.

With the winter break now in full swing, Verstappen joined Kelly - the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet - at her family's holiday home at Lençóis Maranhenses, a protected area located on Brazil's north Atlantic coast.

"Happy New Year everyone! 🥳🥳🥳," Max wrote on Instagram. "Let’s make 2021 a year to remember in many ways. Wishing you all success, love and happiness just as I found mine ❤️."

That’s likely another tenth gained on the stop watch by the Red Bull charger this season!