The Formula 1 world has just been startled by a heart-warming and emotional moment that the hearts of fans have hit worldwide. Only ten minutes ago it was confirmed that Max Verstappen, the four -time world champion, became father of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet. In an intimate moment when it soon went viral, Verstappen could not control his tears while holding his newborn baby in a hospital in Monaco. The Dutch driver, who is often praised for his undisturbed focus on the track, showed an unprecedented soft side that the Formula 1 community has deeply moved. At the same time, he surprised everyone with an important announcement that he will share during the upcoming racing weekend in Miami, which increases the tension for his performance on and next to the circuit.

The news of birth was suggested for the first time when Verstappens Privéjet, who was still in Nice earlier in the day, suddenly left for the United States. Shortly thereafter, Red Bull Racing confirmed that the driver had skipped the Mediadag in Miami to be at the birth, but that he would arrive for free practice sessions on Friday. Although the team did not share official details about birth, sources were close to the couple that Kelly Piquet gave birth in the early morning hours. A photo, shared on social media by a family member, showed Verstappen with tearing eyes while rocking his baby, an image that was immediately picked up worldwide. Fans responded en masse with congratulations, and many praised the driver for showing his human side in a sport that often revolves around speed and rivalry.

Kelly Piquet, who already has a daughter from an earlier relationship, had previously given hints about the arrival of the baby. In a recent Instagram post she reported that she was in her third trimester, which pointed to a birth somewhere between February and April 2025. The timing seems to have fallen perfectly, just before the start of the Formula 1 season, which starts on March 16 in Australia. Verstappen himself recently spoke about his upcoming paternity in a podcast, in which he said that thanks to his experience with Piquet’s daughter Penelope he already had some preparation. “It’s exciting, but I know the baby is in good hands,” he said, referring to their close -knit family. The birth marks a new chapter for the couple, who has been together since 2021 and shares an impressive racing DNA with Kelly’s father, triple world champion Nelson Piquet.

What makes the story even more intriguing is Verstappens’s unexpected announcement that he will make during the race weekend in Miami. Although details are still scarce, sources suggest that it may be a personal decision that can influence its future in Formula 1. Earlier this year, Verstappen already spoke about the balance between his career and his private life, and he hinted that he wants to ride fewer races to spend more time with his family. These words, combined with his emotional response to birth, have fueled speculations about a possible sabbatical or even an early retirement. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner, however, denied that Verstappen will leave the team, and emphasized that the driver is “stronger than ever” to the circuit.

While Verstappen is preparing for Miami’s Grand Prix, where he won twice before, the Focus remains partly on his new role as father. His rivals, including McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, have transferred their congratulations, where Norris joked that Verstappen “is now getting really sleepless nights”. Despite the joyful circumstances, the Dutchman is under pressure to breathe new life into his season, which has only had one win. Whether he holds his baby in Monaco or climb the stage in Miami, Verstappen remains a source of inspiration. The Formula 1 world is eagerly looking forward to his announcement and celebrates with this special moment in his life.