Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet announce birth of baby ahead of Miami G… read more
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have welcomed their first child together, announcing the joyful news just ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. The couple, who have been in a public relationship since 2020, shared the arrival of their baby girl, Lily, with heartfelt excitement. The announcement was made on social media with a caption that read, “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.” The post quickly gained attention from fans and the racing world alike, as the Red Bull star embraced fatherhood for the first time.
The Red Bull Racing team confirmed Verstappen’s absence from Thursday’s media day in Miami, stating it was due to personal reasons and out of respect for the couple’s privacy. The team added that all was well and assured fans that Verstappen would be present at the track for the rest of the race weekend. Despite being in the middle of a highly competitive championship campaign, the 27-year-old Dutch driver had previously indicated that he would not miss a Grand Prix to attend the birth, should the timing coincide with a race weekend. His quick return to the paddock underlines his dedication to his profession while balancing the responsibilities of his growing family.
This new chapter in Verstappen’s life adds another layer of significance to his already remarkable Formula 1 journey. A four-time world champion, Verstappen is widely considered one of the most talented drivers of his generation. Now, with the birth of Lily, he steps into a new role—as a father. Although this is his first biological child, Verstappen has long embraced a fatherly role with Piquet’s daughter, Penelope, from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. He has referred to himself as a “bonus dad” and has often been seen sharing affectionate moments with Penelope at various races.
Kelly Piquet, a Brazilian model and columnist, has been a steady presence in Verstappen’s life and career. The daughter of three-time Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet, Kelly has a deep-rooted connection to motorsport, which now extends to their newborn daughter. Lily Verstappen-Piquet comes from a family with a rich racing pedigree. Her maternal grandfather, Nelson Piquet, was a dominant force in F1 during the 1980s, while her paternal grandfather, Jos Verstappen, competed in Formula 1 throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Additionally, Lily’s paternal grandmother, Sophie Kumpen, was a successful kart racer and has been recognized by numerous F1 figures, including 2009 world champion Jenson Button, for her natural speed during their karting days together.
Given such an impressive lineage, it wouldn’t be surprising if Lily chose to follow in the footsteps of her family and enter the world of motorsport. However, Max Verstappen has made it clear that he will leave that decision entirely up to her. In past interviews, he expressed that while he would support any ambition Lily might have, whether in racing or another field, he would be equally content if she decided to pursue something entirely different. “It doesn’t matter,” Verstappen once said when asked if he hoped his child would become an F1 driver. “If he or she wants it, you always do your best as a parent to give them what they need or advise them. But I’m also very happy if they choose something else, to be honest.”
As the Formula 1 circus arrives in Miami for the sixth round of the 2025 season, Verstappen returns not only as a title contender but also as a new father. The timing of Lily’s birth adds an emotional backdrop to what is already one of the most high-profile events on the F1 calendar. With support from Kelly and their growing family, Verstappen appears more grounded than ever, ready to continue his pursuit of racing glory while embracing the joys of parenthood. The F1 world watches with admiration as this champion driver embarks on his most personal and profound journey yet—fatherhood.
