The Formula 1 world is buzzing with excitement, and this time it’s not just because of the blazing fast cars on the track. Four-time world champion and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet have shared the exciting news that they have welcomed their first child. The announcement came just ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, an event that was already full of anticipation. The couple shared the joyous news on social media, where they revealed the name of their newborn daughter: Lily. In an emotional message, they wrote: “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.” The post was accompanied by heartwarming photos of the new family, which have left fans across the world in awe.

Lily’s birth is a milestone for Verstappen, who has become a father for the first time. Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, already has a daughter, Penelope, from a previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Verstappen has a close bond with Penelope and calls himself her “bonus father”. He has previously hinted that he has already gained some experience in parenting thanks to Penelope. “I have already practiced a bit with Penelope, who I have seen grow up for four years. That was really nice,” he said earlier. This experience seems to be coming in handy now that he and Kelly are starting a new chapter together.

The timing of the birth was notable, as Verstappen missed Thursday’s media day in Miami to be with Kelly for the birth. Red Bull confirmed his absence with a short statement: “Max will not be attending the media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby. Everything is fine and he will be at the circuit tomorrow for the race weekend.” The statement also stressed that the team would not be releasing any further details out of respect for the privacy of Max and his family. Fans were already speculating about the baby’s arrival when Verstappen’s private jet was spotted in Nice, France, and later en route to Miami. As it turned out, Max made it just in time to witness his daughter’s birth before flying to Florida for the race.

Lily Verstappen-Piquet comes into a family with an unparalleled racing history. Not only is her father one of the most dominant drivers in Formula 1, her grandfathers also have an impressive legacy. Nelson Piquet won three world titles, while Jos Verstappen, Max’s father, is a household name in F1 history. In addition, Max’s mother, Sophie Kumpen, has a background in karting, where she even impressed drivers such as Jenson Button. With genes like that, Lily seems destined to have speed in her blood, although Verstappen has indicated that he wants to give her freedom in her choices. “If she wants to race, I will support her as a parent, but I am also happy if she chooses something else,” he said in an earlier interview.

Despite the joy surrounding the birth, Verstappen remains focused on his professional commitments. The Miami Grand Prix is ​​the sixth race of the 2025 season, and Verstappen currently sits third in the championship, behind McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. He has won the past two editions of the Miami race and finished second last year. His determination to keep performing is unmatched, even as he embraces the new role of father. “I’ll just keep doing my thing on the track,” he said earlier about combining fatherhood and racing.

The announcement of Lily’s birth has prompted a wave of congratulatory messages from fans to fellow drivers. Nico Hulkenberg, the only other father on the current F1 grid, joked that he hopes Lily is a “good sleeper”. The Formula 1 community has showered the couple with love and support, and photos of Max, Kelly and Lily have already captured countless hearts. As Verstappen prepares to hit the track this weekend, he is undoubtedly carrying the joy of new fatherhood with him – a new source of motivation for the man who has dominated F1 for years.