BREAKING NEWS🏎️ Max Verstappen has happily revealed the name of his newborn baby, surprising his family and the F1 world because the reason behind the name is…👇

Miami, May 3, 2025  – Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen shocked the F1 community and beyond by revealing the name of his and his partner Kelly Piquet’s newborn daughter earlier this week. The Red Bull star, fresh from a third-place finish in the drivers’ championship standings, announced the name during a brief but emotional press conference ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, leaving fans, family, and fellow drivers alike in awe of the deeply personal reason behind the choice.

The name: Emilia Sophie Verstappen-Piquet

Verstappen and Piquet have named their daughter  Emilia Sophie Verstappen-Piquet  , a name that combines elegance with deep meaning. The couple, who welcomed their first child together on May 1, 2025, in Monaco, shared that the name was chosen to honor two pivotal figures in their lives, reflecting their shared journey and values.

• Emilia  : The name Emilia pays homage to the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna, home to the Imola circuit, where Verstappen took his maiden Grand Prix win for Red Bull in 2016 at the age of 18. The victory marked his meteoric rise to become the youngest race winner in F1 and cemented his bond with the Red Bull team, which he described as his second family. Verstappen explained: “Imola was where it all started for me with Red Bull. Naming it Emilia is our way of carrying that moment with us forever.”
• Sophie  : The middle name, Sophie, is a heartfelt tribute to Verstappen’s mother, Sophie Kumpen, a former karting champion who played a crucial role in his early racing career. “My mother sacrificed a lot so I could pursue this dream,” said a visibly emotional Verstappen. “She is my biggest supporter, and naming our daughter after her feels like the perfect way to honor her.”

A surprise for family and fans.

The announcement came as a surprise to many, including Verstappen’s family, who were unaware of the couple’s final choice until the press conference. Verstappen’s father, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, shared a post on X: “Emilia Sophie: What a beautiful name! I’m so proud of Max and Kelly and so touched they’ve chosen to honor Sophie. Welcome to the family baby!” The post garnered thousands of likes, reflecting the outpouring of support from fans.

The F1 community was equally stunned, with drivers including Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc offering their congratulations. Norris, who has been battling Verstappen for the 2025 championship, joked: “Emilia Sophie already looks like a future world champion! Congrats mate!” Meanwhile, social media platforms such as X were abuzz with reactions, with fans noting the poetic connection to Verstappen’s career milestones. One popular post read: “Emilia for Imola, Sophie for her mum. Max just had a baby boy, dubbed F1’s most epic tribute! 🏎️ #miniverstappen.”

The reason behind the name

Verstappen and Piquet’s decision to name their daughter Emilia Sophie stemmed from a desire to merge their personal and professional worlds. Kelly Piquet, a model and daughter of three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet, revealed in an Instagram post that the couple spent months deliberating on names. “We wanted something that told our story,” she wrote. Emilia represents Max’s incredible journey in F1, and Sophie is a tribute to the strength of the family that got him there. Our little girl carries both of those things with her.

The choice also reflects the couple’s intention to raise their daughter with an appreciation for her racing heritage. Piquet, who is already the mother of daughter Penelope (from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat), emphasized that Emilia will grow up in a family where “passion and family come first.” Verstappen echoed that sentiment, adding: “I don’t care if she races or not. I just want her to know where we come from and be proud of it.”

Time and context

The announcement comes at a crucial time for Verstappen, who missed Thursday’s media day at the Miami Grand Prix to attend the birth of Emilia in Monaco. Red Bull confirmed his absence was due to her imminent arrival, stating: “Max will not be attending the Media Day in Miami as she is expecting a baby. Everything is fine and he will be on track tomorrow for the race weekend.” His private jet was spotted leaving Belgrade Airport on Thursday evening, ensuring his arrival in Miami for Friday’s practice sessions.

Despite this personal milestone, Verstappen remains focused on his pursuit of the 2025 title. Currently third in the standings, 12 points behind leader Oscar Piastri, he is determined to secure his fifth consecutive drivers’ championship. His recent victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, described by BBC Sport’s Andrew Benson as “a weekend of rare perfection,” underlines his competitiveness. However, the birth of Emilia has added a new dimension to his life, with Verstappen admitting: “It’s hard to describe what it feels like to be a father. It’s bigger than any victory.”

Reactions and future implications

The F1 paddock welcomed the news, with Red Bull consultant Helmut Marko, dubbed Jos Verstappen’s “unofficial nephew,” joking that Emilia could one day race for Red Bull. “She has the genes for it, but let’s let her have fun before she’s a girl!” Marko told the Krone Zeitung. Meanwhile, Piquet’s baby shower, held on Verstappen’s yacht  Unleash the Lion  , had already hinted that it would be a girl with its pink and green livery, fueling fan speculation.

For Verstappen, Emilia’s arrival marks a new chapter. He has been open about his role as a “bonus dad” to Penelope, often seen with her at races and on his live streams. Emilia’s arrival strengthens the family unit, and she expressed her excitement about the experience, saying: “I’ve had some practice with Penelope, so I’m ready for this!”

As Verstappen prepares for the Miami Grand Prix, the F1 world is filled with admiration for his sincere choice of name. Emilia Sophie Verstappen-Piquet, with a name steeped in racing history and familial love, has already stolen the show. Whether she follows in her father’s footsteps or falls by the wayside, one thing is certain: the “mini Verstappen-Piquet” is destined to be a star.