Watch: Max Verstappen walks up to Kelly Piquet to greet her after securing podium at F1 US GP

Kelly Piquet, the partner of Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, was in attendance atthe 2024 United States Grand Prix at Austin, Texas, on Sunday. Besides rooting for Verstappen, Piquet was also near the podium after the Dutchman claimed P3 at the Circuit of The Americas race. As the Red Bull star noticed his partner, he walked up and greeted her with a hug.

Formula 1 hosted the 19th race of the season at COTA, where Ferrari claimed an emphatic 1-2 through Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz. Verstappen took the final podium place ahead of Lando Norris.

As the 27-year-old arrived near the podium stand to celebrate his Austin achievement, he noticed Piquet standing there in her Ralph Lauren outfit. Verstappen walked up to his partner, hugged and kissed her.

Here's a video of the incident that Piquet uploaded as a story on Instagram:

During the second half of the US GP race, Verstappen experienced a stiff on-track battle against Norris as the two Championship contenders came up against each other on multiple occasions.

Verstappen eventually had the last laugh as he pipped Norris to the final podium place. However, that come amid a controversy where the McLaren driver was given a five-second time penalty.

The stewards announced the penalty after Verstappen and Norris had battled for P3 in ;ap 52. During one of their skirmishes, both drivers went off the track - Verstappen while defending his place, Norris and while overtaking. However, the stewards penalized Norris for leaving the track and gaining an advantage, leaving the Papayas unhappy.

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Max Verstappen has no sympathy for Lando Norris

TEXAS, UNITED STATES - OCTOBER 20: Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing F1 team. Source: Getty

Lando Norris and his team were visibly frustrated following the stewards' verdict. The timed penalty not only cost him a podium place but also three points, which could be crucial in the Championship race.

However, Max Verstappen has no sympathy for his championship rival. In the post-race press conference, the Dutchman said:

“No, I don’t,” Verstappen said when asked if he sympathized with Norris’ situation.

“I mean, they complain about a lot lately anyway, but it’s very clear in the rules. Outside the white line, you cannot pass. I’ve been done for it as well in the past.”

Max Verstappen has extended his championship lead to 57 points over Lando Norris, with five races and two Sprints to go this season.