MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – In a heartwarming announcement amidst the excitement of the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Formula One champion Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet have welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Lily. The news broke on the morning of Friday, May 2, 2025, as Verstappen shared a touching message on social media, stating, "Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much." This marks a significant milestone for the 27-year-old Red Bull driver, who is currently competing in his fourth consecutive season as the reigning world champion.
The birth of Lily comes as Verstappen prepares for the sixth race of the 2025 Formula One season, a highly anticipated event at the Miami Grand Prix, where he has previously enjoyed success, winning the inaugural race in 2022 and again in 2023. However, this time, the focus is not solely on the track; rather, it is on the joy of new parenthood. Verstappen had opted to skip some pre-race activities to be present for the birth, showcasing his commitment to both family and racing.
Lily is the first child for Verstappen, while Piquet, the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, has a five-year-old daughter named Penelope from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. The couple's relationship became public in early 2021, and they announced Piquet's pregnancy in December 2024, during the celebrations of Verstappen's fourth consecutive championship.
As Verstappen embraces fatherhood, fellow drivers have expressed their congratulations and shared insights on how becoming a parent can impact a racer's performance. Nico Hülkenberg, currently one of the only other fathers on the grid, remarked, "I hope it’s a good sleeper. I think there’s lots to discover — many beautiful, nice things that come with that. I’m sure he’ll enjoy it." Hülkenberg emphasized that fatherhood has not hindered his racing but rather enhanced it, stating, "I just personally feel it’s added benefit because it’s giving me so much outside of work and outside of being in Formula 1."
Mercedes driver George Russell echoed these sentiments, arguing that the joy children bring can positively influence performance on the track. "I know what it’s like when I see my nieces and nephews — they bring me so much joy when I spend time with them. And you’ve seen drivers in the past win championships and races who’ve got kids, so I don’t see it changing anything on his professional level," Russell said.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding the birth of Lily, Verstappen's focus remains on the racing season. Currently, he sits third in the championship standings, having secured one victory this season so far. The competition is fierce, with McLaren showing early dominance, making the upcoming Miami race crucial for Verstappen and his team. As the excitement builds for the race, fans and fellow competitors alike are eager to see how Verstappen balances his new responsibilities as a father with his relentless pursuit of racing excellence.
As the Miami Grand Prix weekend unfolds, the paddock is buzzing not only with the anticipation of the race but also with the news of Verstappen's new role as a father. The couple's announcement has been met with overwhelming support from fans and fellow drivers, highlighting the community spirit within Formula One. Verstappen's journey into fatherhood is just beginning, and many are curious to see how this life change will influence his approach to racing.
In conclusion, the arrival of Lily marks a new chapter in the lives of Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet, intertwining their personal joy with the high-pressure world of Formula One racing. As the Miami Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Verstappen, not just as a champion driver but now also as a proud father, ready to tackle the challenges both on and off the track.
