Formula 1 star Max Verstappen welcomes first child with Kelly Piquet

Formula One driver Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet have announced the birth of their first child together. Photo / @maxverstappen1

Formula One driver Max Verstappen has announced the birth of his first child with Kelly Piquet, his girlfriend of nearly five years.

The Red Bull Racing driver, 27, shared the news on social media alongside two black and white photos.

Verstappen revealed he and Piquet had named their new daughter Lily, calling her the “greatest gift”.

“Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.”

The Dutch-Belgian driver, who races under the Dutch flag for Red Bull, has won four Formula One world drivers’ championships and 64 Grands Prix.

Piquet, 36, is already a mum to daughter Penelope, who was born in 2019. Penelope’s father is Formula One driver Daniil Kyvat.

Verstappen previously told the Talking Bull podcast that seeing Piquet parent Penelope helped him feel ready to become a father.

“Luckily, I did get a little bit of training with Penelope, seeing her grow up already for like four years, which has been really, really nice.

“But yes, for sure, when it’s like, also going to be fully your own [child] ... Yes, it’s going to be a different challenge. But I’m looking forward to it.”

It comes after an announcement that the Red Bull driver would not appear during a media day before the Miami Grand Prix taking place this weekend.

Formula One champion Max Verstappen is now also a father. Photo / Getty Images

Red Bull said in a statement: “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.

“We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family.”

Verstappen and Piquet started dating in October 2020, sharing their baby news in December 2024.

Though there is an age gap of nine years between them, Piquet has said the relationship thrives as “we have a lot of understanding and support for each other”.

Piquet herself is the daughter of famous Formula One driver Nelson Piquet, who has three drivers’ championships to his name.