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Dutch and Belgian racing driver Max Verstappen couldn’t mark his presence for the media interaction on May 1, ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix due to the birth of his first child Lily. Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet announced the birth of their child on May 2. Earlier, the defending champion’s Red Bull team announced his unavailability just a few hours before he was scheduled to show up for the event but it was revealed that Verstappen will be at the Miami International Autodrome on Friday to compete at the Sprint weekend. Verstappen and his partner Kelly reside in Monaco but it wasn't known where she would give birth to the child.
On May 1, issuing a statement on Verstappen’s absence, Red Bull remarked, "Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby. All is well and he will attend track tomorrow for the race weekend.” They also added, “We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family." Verstappen, who is aiming to pull off the fifth successive drivers' title, is standing in the third spot following five rounds of the 2025 Formula 1 season. He is currently 12 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri.
Verstappen arrives in Florida for the marquee racing event
Verstappen is now present in Florida to participate in the massive competition, which will begin on the upcoming weekend. Both Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have been in a relationship since 2021. Kelly is a daughter of the former Brazilian racer Nelson Piquet, who was active in the sport from 1978 to 1992.
Besides Lily, Kelly also has a daughter, Penelope, with the Russian racer Daniil Kvyatt. With Verstappen, she has given birth to her first child. Amidst these developments, the 27-year-old racer has declared that he will not change his driving style after he becomes a parent.
