Max Verstappen missed the Miami Grand Prix press briefing for a happy event
The Red Bull driver did not take part in Thursday's media obligations in Miami, as the birth of his daughter was imminent.
An eloquent yet happy silence: on the eve of the Miami Grand Prix, Max Verstappen did not participate in the traditional Thursday interviews. A rare occurrence for the four-time world champion, justified by an official announcement from his team Red Bull Racing.
« Max will not participate in Thursday’s media day in Miami because he is expecting a baby. Everything is going well, and he will be on track for the race weekend starting Friday. We will not make any further comments to respect the privacy of Max and his family », the Anglo-Austrian team specified in a note sent to the press.
The 27-year-old Dutchman and his partner Kelly Piquet, 36, had announced in December 2024 that they were expecting a baby girl. According to information from several Italian media outlets, including La Gazzetta dello Sport, Kelly Piquet reportedly gave birth in the last few hours, although this has not yet been officially confirmed.
A family from F1 legend
Kelly Piquet is the daughter of Nelson Piquet, Brazilian triple world champion (1981, 1983, 1987). She already has a daughter, Penelope, born in 2019 from her previous relationship with former Russian driver Daniil Kvyat. By forming a couple with Verstappen since 2021, she has joined another illustrious name in the paddock in a story that intertwines the heritage and present of F1.
If the absence of the Red Bull leader this Thursday was surprising, it doesn’t call into question his participation in the Miami Grand Prix. Max Verstappen is expected to be back behind the wheel on Friday for the practice sessions, relieved and no doubt moved by this new role as a father.
