MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The four-time consecutive Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen came to the Miami Grand Prix on Friday following his new role as a dad for the first time. He announced that he and his partner Kelly Piquet had recently welcomed their baby girl into the world.
Welcome to the world, dear Lily,
Verstappen and Piqued posted on Instagram on Friday.
Our hearts overflow with joy — your presence is our most precious blessing. We cherish you immensely.
Verstappen missed the Thursday sessions for this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix to stay with Piquet, who is the daughter of triple Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet. Neither Verstappen nor Piquet provided information regarding the baby’s arrival, such as the exact time their child was born.
In 2021, Verstappen and Piqued made their relationship official publicly. He shares a daughter named Penelope with driver Daniil Kvyat, whom Verstadden is quite fond of; however, this is his first child.
He’s set to be an actively involved dad,” forecast Christian Horner, Verstappen’s team principal at Red Bull. “Just consider the genetic potential of this kid—it’s astounding really: a combination of Verstappen followed by Piquer. Were he a racehorse, he’d surely command a hefty price.
Verstappen joins Nico Hülkenerg among the current Formula 1 drivers who have children this season.
He’s becoming part of that group. I hope it turns out well for him,” Hulkenberg commented. “There will be plenty to explore—many lovely and pleasant aspects associated with this. I have no doubt he’ll appreciate it.
Lewis Hamilton, who has won seven championships, mentioned that he talked with Verstappen during the previous Formula 1 event and sensed how excitedly the Dutch driver was anticipating the birth of their child.
It’s truly an incredible and special moment,” Hamilton stated. “I had a brief chat with him in Saudi Arabia and could see his excitement. Huge congratulations to him.
However, there’s a belief that drivers frequently ease up once they have children, as they start driving more carefully and may lose the sharpness that contributed to their success.
Make up your own mind after checking the statistics and observing what occurs,” Hulkenberg stated. “It’s clear everyone has their differences, yet personally, I disagree with that notion. When we enter the vehicle—with the visor closed and heading out—even for me, my focus becomes entirely absorbed in performing and optimizing, often blocking out everything happening around us.
I simply believe it provides an additional advantage since it offers me numerous benefits beyond my professional life and away from Formula 1,” he explained. “In fact, I’d go as far as saying it has been quite beneficial for me.
Horner is convinced that there won’t be any alteration in his top driver’s form.
I believe he’s quite level-headed; after all, he has a stepdaughter and clearly cherishes his family time,” Horner stated. “He approaches this situation just like any other day at work. It goes without saying that he feels immense pride about welcoming a new baby girl with Kelly into their lives. This brings an entirely fresh accomplishment and viewpoint for him.
George Russell, who drives for Mercedes, doesn’t think becoming a dad will alter Max Verstappen’s performances in races.
As Nico puts it, I believe it likely adds significant dimensions to one’s life experiences. Knowing how it feels whenever I’m around my nieces and nephews—though they aren’t my own children—I find immense happiness from spending time with them,” Russell explained. “Plus, we’ve witnessed numerous instances where racing champions and winners have been parents themselves, which suggests this won’t alter his professional standing at all.”
Verstappen, with 64 professional wins under his belt, has secured the last four Formula One championships. This season, he has claimed victory only once so far, as McLaren appears to have gained an initial advantage over Red Bull leading up to Sunday’s event—the sixth race of the season—and currently stands at third place in the championship rankings.
Verstappen claimed victory in the inaugural and second Miami Grand Prix events. Last year, however, Lando Norris from McLaren secured his maiden Formula 1 win during this same race.
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Jenna Fryer, from The Associated Press
