Move Over Sadiq Khan: Kelly Piquet Reveals How She Would Transform London

Kelly Piquet jokingly sharing her own vision for becoming Mayor of London may not have been something anyone expected to see on their F1 bingo card, but her ideas certainly make for an entertaining thought experiment.

The 37-year-old Brazilian-Dutch model, influencer and public figure has become increasingly familiar to Formula 1 fans. She is best known in the paddock as the partner of four-time world champion Max Verstappen and as the mother of their young daughter, Lily. Beyond the world of motorsport, however, Kelly has developed a strong connection with London and frequently speaks about her love for the British capital.

Travel is one of Kelly’s greatest passions, and London ranks highly among her favourite destinations. Her enthusiasm for the city was highlighted in a recent edition of The Standard’s “My London” feature, where she opened up about some of her favourite places, activities and experiences in the capital.

Among the many subjects discussed, one question was particularly intriguing: what would Kelly do if she had the opportunity to serve as London’s mayor for a day?

Her answer was light-hearted but surprisingly practical.

Kelly Piquet’s London Manifesto

If Kelly were temporarily handed the keys to City Hall, her priorities would revolve around making London more pedestrian-friendly, encouraging people to stay active and creating more opportunities for residents to socialize.

Speaking to The Standard, she said she would introduce additional pedestrian-only areas across the capital. She would also organize more outdoor fitness sessions and create a huge summer dinner that would bring people together throughout the city.

The idea of expanding pedestrian spaces would certainly appeal to those who enjoy exploring London on foot. The city already has numerous pedestrianized streets and public spaces, but Kelly’s imaginary manifesto suggests that she would like to see even more areas where people could escape busy traffic and enjoy the city’s atmosphere.

Her second proposal focuses on health and fitness. Rather than keeping exercise confined to gyms and private facilities, Kelly suggested increasing the number of outdoor fitness classes. Such activities could make London’s parks and open spaces more lively while encouraging residents to stay active.

But her most ambitious idea might be the biggest party of them all: a massive city-wide summer dinner.

Imagine long tables stretching through London’s streets, with friends, families and strangers gathering together to eat, talk and celebrate. It is an idea that fits perfectly with Kelly’s upbeat personality and her apparent appreciation for bringing people together.

So, if Londoners were looking for a mayor whose campaign platform included sunshine, exercise, food and a giant party, Kelly could certainly make an interesting candidate.

“Vote Kelly” might be a joke, but her suggestions highlight some of the things that make London appealing to visitors and residents alike.

Kelly’s Ideal First Date in London

The conversation with The Standard also turned toward romance, with Kelly being asked how she would recommend spending a first date in the capital.

Her answer was relatively simple and focused on creating an environment where two people could actually talk and get to know one another.

Kelly suggested beginning with a leisurely walk around Notting Hill before heading to Gold for dinner.

Notting Hill is one of London’s most recognizable neighbourhoods, famous for its colourful houses, independent shops, cafés and relaxed atmosphere. It provides plenty of opportunities for conversation while allowing a couple to explore the area without the pressure of a formal setting.

Kelly’s choice of dinner venue follows the same philosophy. Rather than recommending somewhere overly formal or extravagant, she described the combination as relaxed, charming and ideal for conversation.

That makes her first-date formula surprisingly straightforward: take a walk, enjoy the surroundings, then sit down for a good meal and talk.

For anyone visiting London for a romantic weekend, it is an itinerary that could easily be recreated.

Her Favourite Choice for a Romantic Weekend

Once a relationship has progressed beyond the first date, Kelly already has an idea about where couples should stay for a romantic London getaway.

Her preferred destination is the Bulgari Hotel, which she praised for its elegant and discreet atmosphere. The hotel also features one of her favourite spas, making it an attractive choice for someone looking to combine luxury with relaxation.

The recommendation also reveals something about Kelly’s personal travel preferences. While she clearly enjoys exploring cities and experiencing different destinations, she also appreciates privacy, comfort and high-quality service.

A romantic weekend at a luxury hotel can provide the perfect opportunity to slow down after a busy period of travelling and work.

For Kelly, however, the ideal London hotel changes depending on who she is travelling with.

When her daughters accompany her, she prefers to stay at the Connaught.

Family-Friendly London

Kelly described the Connaught as particularly appealing for family trips, praising its exceptional service as well as its warm and comfortable atmosphere.

Her distinction between the hotels demonstrates that her idea of the perfect London stay depends on the circumstances. The Bulgari provides the elegance and discretion she wants for a romantic escape, while the Connaught offers the comfort and welcoming environment she values when travelling with her children.

London can be an overwhelming city for families, particularly when travelling with young children. Having a hotel that provides attentive service and a comfortable base can make a significant difference.

Kelly’s comments also offer a glimpse into her life away from Formula 1. Although much of the public attention surrounding her comes from her relationship with Verstappen and her presence around the F1 paddock, her interests extend far beyond racing.

Travel, family life, fashion, wellness and lifestyle all appear to be important parts of her world.

David Bowie Gets Kelly’s Vote

Kelly was also asked to name the person she considers the most iconic Londoner.

Her choice was David Bowie.

It is difficult to argue with that selection.

Bowie remains one of the most influential British artists of the modern era. His impact extended well beyond music, influencing fashion, popular culture and the way artists approached identity and creativity.

Kelly described Bowie as a true original whose influence could be seen across music, fashion and culture.

The choice feels particularly appropriate because Bowie represented many of the qualities associated with London itself: creativity, individuality, reinvention and an openness to new ideas.

From his early career through his many artistic transformations, Bowie repeatedly challenged expectations and established himself as an unmistakable cultural figure.

For Kelly, that originality appears to be what makes him such an iconic representative of the city.

A Different Kind of London Guide

Kelly Piquet’s answers may have been given in a light-hearted interview, but together they create an interesting picture of how she experiences London.

Her imaginary mayoral campaign would focus on public spaces, exercise and community. Her ideal first date would involve a relaxed neighbourhood walk followed by dinner. A romantic weekend would call for luxury and privacy, while family travel would require warmth, comfort and outstanding service.

And when it comes to defining London’s cultural identity, she looks to an artist whose influence crossed boundaries between music, fashion and art.

There is also a clear theme running through many of her answers: experiences matter.

Whether she is walking through Notting Hill, enjoying dinner, relaxing at a spa, travelling with her children or imagining a giant outdoor celebration, Kelly’s vision of London seems to be centered around enjoying the city rather than simply passing through it.

Her proposed city-wide summer dinner might never become a reality, but it certainly sounds like a memorable campaign promise.

As for replacing the current mayor, that remains firmly in the realm of fantasy. But if Kelly Piquet ever did decide to launch a fictional campaign for City Hall, her manifesto would be hard to forget: more pedestrian areas, outdoor exercise, good food, romance, family-friendly hospitality and one enormous London party.

For now, though, her role remains much closer to the Formula 1 paddock than City Hall. As the partner of Verstappen and a familiar presence at Grand Prix events, Kelly has her own place within the modern F1 world.

Still, her love for London is clear, and her “My London” interview provides an entertaining glimpse into the places, people and experiences that make the city special to her.

And if nothing else, her proposed giant summer dinner sounds like an election promise that could attract plenty of enthusiastic supporters.