Formula 1’s four-time world champion, Max Verstappen, stunned the motorsport world when Red Bull excused him from Thursday’s track activities at the Miami Grand Prix. The reason, however, is deeply personal: to attend the birth of his first daughter with partner Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time champion Nelson Piquet. The decision, announced by the Austrian team, paused his free practice and media commitments but ensured the Dutch driver could be with his family for this milestone. Verstappen, who leads the season with consistency, is set to return to the track on Friday for official sessions.
The news sent ripples through the Miami paddock, with fans and journalists buzzing about the arrival of the Verstappen-Piquet baby. Red Bull issued a brief statement, noting that the driver will be back for the rest of the race weekend. Meanwhile, the 2025 season remains intense, with Verstappen holding third place in the Drivers’ Championship with 87 points. The Miami GP, a fan-favorite event, promises to be memorable both on and off the track.
Verstappen’s choice highlights the growing emphasis on balancing personal and professional life, even in a demanding sport like Formula 1. Below are key points framing the moment:
- Family first: The driver prioritized being present for the birth, a rare move in a packed race schedule.
- Team support: Red Bull showed flexibility, reinforcing trust in Verstappen’s performance.
- Fan excitement: Social media lit up with support for the couple’s milestone.
The Dutchman’s absence from initial activities is unlikely to derail his preparation, but it has sparked discussions about how he will navigate fatherhood in the coming months. The Miami GP, with its challenging track and vibrant atmosphere, will test the champion, who aims to climb the championship standings.
Paddock reactions
The announcement of Max Verstappen’s release to attend his daughter’s birth spread quickly among drivers, teams, and journalists at the Miami circuit. Many grid rivals voiced support, emphasizing the importance of family. McLaren’s Lando Norris was among the first to comment, praising Verstappen’s decision during a press conference. He noted that Formula 1, despite its intensity, allows for such human moments, resonating with younger drivers.
Red Bull kept details minimal. A team spokesperson confirmed Verstappen’s return on Friday without elaborating on the birth. Behind the scenes, however, his absence from Thursday’s media sessions fueled debates about its effect on the race weekend.
Some analysts suggested that the move reflects Red Bull’s confidence in Verstappen’s abilities. With a competitive car and a cohesive team, the squad believes he can make up for lost practice time. The situation also underscored a shift from past Formula 1 eras, when drivers rarely had leeway for personal commitments during race weekends.
Couple’s history
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet are one of motorsport’s most prominent couples. Their relationship, which began in October 2020 and went public in January 2021, unites two families steeped in racing heritage. Kelly, daughter of three-time champion Nelson Piquet, grew up in the Formula 1 world, while Verstappen, son of former driver Jos Verstappen, followed a similar path. The couple announced their pregnancy in December 2024 with a joint Instagram post that moved fans: “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way. We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.”
Kelly, 35, is already a mother to Penélope, born in 2019 from her previous relationship with Russian driver Daniil Kvyat. The influencer and model, born in Germany, has built a career in marketing and fashion, working with brands like Dolce & Gabbana and contributing to Marie Claire. Her bond with Verstappen extends beyond the spotlight, with the duo sharing moments of travel and leisure, often in Brazil, where the Piquet family has deep ties.
The couple has drawn attention before, such as in 2023 when Verstappen spent Christmas in Brasília with Kelly’s family. During the trip, he competed in a karting event, arriving in a VW van to the amusement of attendees. Verstappen’s connection to Brazil also includes visits to São Paulo and the Lençóis Maranhenses, places he called “special” in interviews.
The birth of their daughter marks a new chapter for the couple, who now face the challenge of balancing family life with Formula 1’s demands. Verstappen’s decision to attend the birth reinforces his image as a driver who, despite his competitive edge, values personal bonds.
Pregnancy timeline
Kelly Piquet’s pregnancy was announced in December 2024, but preparations for the baby gained traction in early 2025. In February, Kelly shared glimpses of the baby’s nursery in Miami, hinting that the birth was expected in May. The exact date remained private, with the couple keeping details off social media.
In March, Kelly posted a photo with the caption “Time to head home and start the countdown,” paired with a chick-hatching emoji. The post fueled speculation that the birth was imminent. Around the same time, Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko mentioned in an interview that the baby was due in early May, a prediction confirmed by the Miami events.
Key milestones of the pregnancy include:
- December 2024: Official pregnancy announcement via a joint Instagram post.
- February 2025: Kelly travels to Miami to prepare the nursery, signaling May as the likely birth month.
- March 2025: Social media post suggests the birth is near.
- May 2025: Verstappen is excused to attend the birth during the Miami GP.
The couple’s discretion about the birth aligns with their approach since the start of their relationship, keeping personal matters private whenever possible. Still, the baby’s arrival sparked widespread support from fans and motorsport figures.
Red Bull’s strategy
Red Bull handled Verstappen’s absence from the Miami GP’s opening activities with poise and confidence. The team, third in the Constructors’ Championship with 581 points, relies on Verstappen as its cornerstone for a stronger 2025 season. His release, though unusual, was managed to minimize disruption to the race preparations.
The team’s statement was concise: Verstappen would skip media day but return to the track on Friday. Analysts praised the move, noting Red Bull’s ability to adapt without compromising competitiveness. Sergio Pérez, Verstappen’s teammate, took the spotlight on Thursday, handling media duties and representing the team.
During free practice, Red Bull focused on data collection with Pérez’s car, while Verstappen’s engineer ran simulations to fine-tune the setup. The approach reflects the team’s trust in the champion’s ability to adapt quickly. The absence was treated as a logistical tweak, with no signs of concern from the squad.
Miami GP preparations
The Miami Grand Prix, held on a street circuit known for its fast corners and warm weather, is among the calendar’s toughest races. Verstappen, who won in 2024, is a favorite but faces stiff competition from championship leader Oscar Piastri (99 points) and Lando Norris, both from McLaren. Missing Thursday’s sessions may limit his setup time, but his experience on street circuits should mitigate the impact.
The Miami track demands a balance between straight-line speed and cornering grip, making free practice vital for dialing in the car. Red Bull, which struggled on some tracks in early 2025, is banking on aerodynamic upgrades to Verstappen’s car to close the gap in the Constructors’ Championship. Favorable weather, with mild temperatures forecast, should also help.
Key track challenges include:
- Low-speed corners: Require precision on entry and exit, testing driver skill.
- Main straight: Enables overtaking but hinges on aerodynamic setup.
- Tire management: Miami’s abrasive asphalt wears tires quickly.
- Weather: Humidity can affect car performance and race strategy.
Verstappen will use Friday’s practice to regain his rhythm and prepare for Saturday’s qualifying. Sunday’s race will test not only his speed but also his emotional resilience as a new father.
Racing family legacy
The birth of Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s daughter strengthens the bond between two iconic Formula 1 families. Nelson Piquet, a three-time champion in 1981, 1983, and 1987, is a motorsport legend known for his technical prowess and charisma. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, raced in the 1990s, instilling a relentless drive in his son. The new generation, embodied by the Verstappen-Piquet baby, is already dubbed a “racing heir,” as Kelly playfully noted on social media.
Despite the family legacy, Verstappen has expressed mixed feelings about his daughter pursuing racing. In a December 2024 interview before the Abu Dhabi GP, he said he’d prefer she choose another path but would support her if she showed talent. The pragmatic stance reflects his awareness of the sport’s physical and emotional toll.
Kelly Piquet, raised amid her father’s and brother Nelsinho’s racing careers, brings insider knowledge to her relationship with Verstappen. Her Brazilian roots also tie the couple to the country, with connections in Brasília and São Paulo.
Verstappen’s routine
Max Verstappen’s life off the track blends simplicity with dedication. Living in Monaco with Kelly and Penélope, he follows a disciplined routine of daily workouts and simulator sessions to hone his skills. In his downtime, he enjoys video games, particularly racing simulators, and family trips. Brazil, where he has spent time with the Piquet family, is a favorite destination, highlighted by events like Nelsinho Piquet’s 2023 wedding.
The baby’s arrival will shift Verstappen’s dynamic, and he has voiced excitement about fatherhood. He credited Kelly’s experience as a mother for easing the transition. Red Bull has adjusted its approach to give Verstappen room to balance his new responsibilities.
Key aspects of his routine include:
- Physical training: Intense focus on endurance and reflexes.
- Simulators: Advanced tech to study tracks and strategies.
- Leisure: Gaming and family travel are his main outlets.
- Family time: Prioritizing moments with Kelly, Penélope, and now his daughter.
Verstappen’s ability to stay focused amid personal changes will be tested in Miami, where he faces the pressure of competing at the top level post-birth.
Fan support
The birth of Verstappen and Kelly Piquet’s daughter sparked a wave of affection on social media. Fans worldwide sent congratulations, with hashtags like #BabyVerstappen and #VerstappenPiquet trending. On X, accounts like @PortalRBRBrasil and @voltarapida_f1 celebrated, sharing couple photos and Red Bull’s statement.
Brazilian fans, in particular, showed enthusiasm, citing Verstappen’s ties to the country through Kelly. Many recalled his visits to Brasília and São Paulo, cementing his local popularity. The hashtag #MiniVerstappenPiquet, inspired by the pregnancy announcement, appeared in thousands of posts with memes and heartfelt messages.
Support also came from motorsport figures like David Coulthard, who congratulated Verstappen on a TV broadcast. The fan response underscores the couple’s likability, blending charisma and privacy to win hearts on and off the track.
Season outlook
The 2025 Formula 1 season is among the most competitive in years, with McLaren leading the Constructors’ Championship and Oscar Piastri topping the drivers’ standings. Verstappen, with 87 points, sits third behind Piastri (99) and Norris (89). The Miami GP offers a chance to close the gap, especially on a track where he has excelled.
Red Bull, despite past dominance, faces challenges in 2025, trailing McLaren and Ferrari due to their rivals’ car upgrades. Verstappen remains the team’s biggest asset, consistently maximizing performance. Miami will be pivotal for setting the season’s trajectory, with Red Bull eyeing a strong result to boost its campaign.
Friday’s practice will be critical for Verstappen to adapt post-absence, and Saturday’s qualifying will shape his starting position on a track that favors the front-runners. Red Bull’s strategy and Verstappen’s experience should ensure a competitive showing.
Miami GP highlights
The Miami Grand Prix, added to the Formula 1 calendar in 2022, has become a fan favorite. The race draws celebrities, fans, and sponsors, blending sport with entertainment. The circuit, circling the Hard Rock Stadium, is known for its dynamic layout and lively crowd.
The 2025 edition brings upgrades, including an expanded hospitality area and Saturday night concerts. New drivers like Gabriel Bortoleto add intrigue. Key event features include:
- Record attendance: Over 80,000 spectators expected on Sunday.
- Sponsors: Brands like Cadillac and Mitsubishi boost their presence.
- Sustainability: Formula 1 introduced measures to cut carbon emissions.
- Broadcast: Live coverage in over 180 countries.
Verstappen’s brief absence adds unpredictability to the weekend, with global attention split between the track and his new chapter as a father.
Kelly Piquet’s role
Kelly Piquet is a cornerstone in Verstappen’s life, offering emotional support and motorsport insight. As Nelson Piquet’s daughter, she understands the pressures of elite racing and helps Verstappen find balance. Her career as an influencer and columnist, with over 1 million Instagram followers, keeps her in the spotlight, sharing glimpses of their life and Penélope.
The pregnancy and birth have deepened their partnership, with the couple emphasizing family. Kelly’s global upbringing in France, England, and Brazil shapes their travels and events. Her Brazilian ties have endeared Verstappen to local fans, who see him as an honorary compatriot.
Kelly also champions sustainability and children’s education initiatives. Her influence is set to grow with the baby’s arrival, already viewed as an heir to the Piquet and Verstappen racing legacies.
