Max Verstappen missed out on Miami Grand Prix media duties as he and partner Kelly Piquet prepared to welcome their first child together and their daughter has now been born
Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen and partner Kelly Piquet have welcomed their first child together. Verstappen’s Red Bull team had previously confirmed he would not take part in press conference activities ahead of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix due to the arrival.
“Welcome to the world, sweet Lily,” the couple wrote in a joint post on Instagram. “Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.”
Lily is the first child together for the couple, who began dating in 2020. Kelly, 36, also has a daughter from a previous relationship, while 27-year-old Max has no other children.
A number of friends and figures from the motorsport world have sent their well-wishes. “Can’t wait to meet,” wrote Max’s sister Victoria.
“Congrats with your beautiful little princess Lily,” former F1 driver Robert Doornbos wrote. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner also sent his regards, writing: “Welcome to the world Lily – Congratulations.”
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Red Bull had confirmed Verstappen’s absence from press duties earlier in the week. “Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby,” a statement read.
“All is well and he will attend track tomorrow for the race weekend. We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family.”
The Dutch driver is still set to take part in the Miami Grand Prix over the weekend as he looks to make up ground on his Drivers’ Championship rivals. Sprint qualifying is due to begin on Friday afternoon local time, with the sprint race on Saturday and the Grand Prix on Sunday.
Verstappen goes into the grand prix sitting third in the drivers’ standings. Oscar Piastri leads the way after his win in Saudi Arabia last time out, with Piastri’s McLaren team-mate Lando Norris in second spot.
Former F1 driver Giedo van der Garde is anticipating a tough weekend in Miami for his fellow Dutchman. “The disadvantage is that this weekend is a Sprint race weekend. The last couple of times Red Bull was always a bit searching [for answers on sprint weekends],” he told RacingNews365.
“In Jeddah, we saw that after Friday, which was not quite right initially. Red Bull managed to turn things around with a good setup. That opportunity is not there now. The first free practice is immediately followed by Sprint qualifying.
“And that makes a sprint weekend always a bit of a disadvantage for Red Bull. On the other hand, Verstappen will compete for the podium, but I do think the McLaren will be very fast [in Miami] again.”
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