Formula 1 Star Max Verstappen Prepares for Miami Grand Prix Amid Family Milestone

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen has touched down in Miami, hours before he takes to the track for the start of this weekend’s grand prix. The Dutch racer, who recently welcomed his first child with partner Kelly Piquet, was granted permission by his Red Bull team and Formula 1’s governing body (FIA) to miss media commitments in respect for his family’s privacy.

A Family Milestone for Verstappen and Piquet

Verstappen and Piquet, the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, have been keeping a low profile since the birth of their child. No official announcement has been made about the baby’s arrival, but the couple went public with their relationship in 2021. Piquet also has a daughter, Penelope, from her previous relationship with former Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat.

Verstappen, who is known for his close bond with Penelope, has expressed that he will not alter his driving style due to becoming a father. He stated, “I have done it already, so it is not like it is completely new for me. Now it is my DNA, let’s say it like that, but I think it is absolutely fine and I know the baby will be in good hands anyway. So for me, you focus on your racing and then go back to your family.

The F1 Dads Club: A Growing Fraternity

Verstappen joins a growing list of Formula 1 drivers who are also fathers. Nico Hulkenberg, who is the only other current father on the grid, has joked that he hopes Verstappen’s first child is a “good sleeper.” Hulkenberg, whose daughter was born in 2021, shared his experience, saying, “I hope it is a good sleeper and we’ve been quite fortunate and there will be lots to discover, many beautiful and nice things that come with it.

Other fathers who have recently competed in F1 include Sergio Perez, Kevin Magnussen, Sebastian Vettel, Kimi Raikkonen, Romain Grosjean, and Felipe Massa. As the F1 grid continues to evolve, so does the club of dads within it, each balancing their racing careers with the joys and challenges of fatherhood.