Max Verstappen is making headlines this week for reasons beyond the racetrack as he prepares to welcome his first child with partner Kelly Piquet. The four-time Formula One world champion, who was set to participate in the Miami Grand Prix, missed the media day on Thursday, May 1, 2025, to be by Piquet's side as they await the arrival of their baby, who is due any day now.
Verstappen, 27, confirmed in December 2024 that he and Piquet, 36, were expecting their first child together. The couple, who have been together since 2020, are also parents to Piquet's five-year-old daughter, Penelope, from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. As Verstappen embarks on this new chapter of fatherhood, he has taken a brief pause from his racing duties to focus on family.
Despite missing the media day, a spokesperson for Red Bull confirmed that Verstappen would be present for the track activities starting on Friday, May 2, 2025. The team stated, "Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby. 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." This assurance has quelled concerns among fans regarding his participation in the Grand Prix.
Reports indicate that Verstappen was still in Monaco on Thursday, taking a private jet to Miami after ensuring he was there for Piquet during this significant moment. With the due date reportedly around May 6, 2025, just two days after the Miami race, the timing has fans speculating about whether Verstappen might miss the birth of his child.
In a previous interview, Verstappen expressed his commitment to racing, indicating that he does not plan to take time off for fatherhood. "Honestly, I have done it already, so it is not like it is completely new for me," he said, referring to his role as Penelope's 'bonus dad.' He added, "Now it is my DNA, let’s say it like that, but I think it is absolutely fine and I know the baby will be in good hands anyway. So for me, you focus on your racing and then go back to your family."
Verstappen's determination to balance his racing career with family life reflects a growing trend among athletes who navigate the challenges of parenthood while competing at the highest levels. He confirmed that he never considered taking a year off, stating, "No, I never considered taking a year out. It is not on my mind." This steadfast approach emphasizes his commitment to both his sport and his family.
As the Miami Grand Prix weekend unfolds, Verstappen is currently third in the championship standings, trailing leader Oscar Piastri by 12 points after five races. With the Miami circuit also hosting the second F1 Sprint race of the season, fans are eager to see how the reigning champion performs under the unique pressures of impending fatherhood.
Adding to the excitement, there are whispers that the couple might be expecting a girl, fueled by the pink-themed baby shower hosted on Verstappen's yacht. While the couple has not officially confirmed the baby’s gender, the decorations have led to speculation among fans.
The Miami Grand Prix weekend promises to be an eventful one, with practice sessions kicking off on Friday, May 2, followed by sprint qualifying later in the day. The main race is set for Sunday, May 4, at 4 PM local time. Verstappen's focus will be on closing the gap on Piastri, who currently leads the drivers' standings with 99 points, while McLaren's Lando Norris sits second with 89 points. Verstappen, with 87 points, is determined to reclaim his position at the top.
In the midst of this whirlwind, Verstappen has maintained a sense of humor about the situation, previously joking about potentially taking a race ban to ensure he is present for the birth. He noted, "Unfortunately, Formula 1 drivers don’t get any free time, but at the same time, I’m not the one who gives birth. Anything is possible, but in Formula 1 that doesn’t exist. You can’t take two months off."
As the Miami Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Verstappen as he juggles the excitement of impending fatherhood with the demands of high-stakes racing. The world of Formula One has seen few drivers take on the role of parent while competing, with Verstappen becoming just the second driver on the grid to be a father, joining Nico Hulkenberg.
As fans eagerly await the outcome of the Miami Grand Prix and the arrival of Verstappen's child, the anticipation builds. Will he secure a victory on the track while also celebrating a new addition to his family? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: Verstappen's journey in both racing and fatherhood is just beginning.
