Max Verstappen, partner Kelly Piquet welcome their first baby ahead of the Miami GP

Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet have announced the birth of their first child together. The couple welcomed their daughter Lily ahead of the Miami Grand Prix 2025. The duo shared the news by posting the first pictures of the baby.

The couple captioned their Instagram post calling Lily their “greatest gift”, while also mentioning that their hearts are fuller than ever. “We love you so much”, the couple wrote.

The arrival of the baby was widely anticipated after Red Bull Racing confirmed earlier that Verstappen will give the media duties a miss in Miami, which were scheduled on Thursday. Their statement also added that Verstappen’s absence could be credited to him expecting a child. The team, however, clarified that Max will be attending track on Friday for the race weekend.

A family steeped in motorsport legacy

With her birth, Lily has joined a family that has strong motorsport connections. Verstappen comes from the family of former F1 driver Jos Verstappen and former kart driver Sophie Kumpen. On the other hand, Kelly Piquet is the daughter of three-time F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet and sister of ex-Renault F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr.

As per the Formula 1 news report, the couple announced Kelly’s pregnancy before the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi. Lily also has an elder sister, Penelope, who is Piquet’s first daughter from a previous relationship.

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Fellow drivers send their wishes

Several F1 drivers have extended their good wishes to the couple during the Miami Grand Prix press conference. Nico Hülkenberg, father to daughter Noemi Sky, said that he wishes and hopes for Lily to be a good sleeper. Calling the couple lucky, Nico wished Max to enjoy discovering all the beautiful things that come along the journey of fatherhood.

Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton called being a father an “amazing and special thing”. He added speaking briefly about fatherhood with Max.

George Russell, on the other hand, is confident that there will be no changes professionally for Verstappen as he embraces the new journey as a father..

Verstappen on balancing fatherhood and racing

According to a Newsweek report, Verstappen had remarked before Lily’s birth that he was ready for fatherhood, since he was already a parental figure to Penelope. He added that he has no plans to take time off and even never considered it.

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FAQs

Q: Will Max Verstappen miss any races after the birth of his daughter?
A: No, Verstappen has announced that he will keep racing and will not sit out the season.

Q: Does Verstappen wish his daughter to follow a racing career?
A: Verstappen has stated that he would back her if she proves talented, but he wishes she wouldn't feel pressured and could lead her own life.