Red Bull ousts young driver after only four races

The joyful news that Max Verstappen’s baby girl, Lily, was born came on Friday as the four-time Formula 1 World Champion and his partner Kelly Piquet took to social media to welcome their first child together. The announcement, made on May 2, 2025, sent waves of congratulations throughout the motorsport world and beyond, marking a new chapter not only in Verstappen’s illustrious career but also in his personal life. Verstappen, at just 27 years old, has already etched his name into the annals of Formula 1 history. His relentless drive, tactical acumen and raw speed have earned him four World Drivers’ Championships, making him one of the sport’s modern legends. Yet, as he shared the first images of his newborn daughter Lily with the world, it was clear that this victory was of a different, profoundly personal nature. In a heartfelt post on social media, Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet expressed their overwhelming joy, writing, “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.” The announcement was accompanied by touching photographs: one of baby Lily’s tiny hand grasping a parent’s finger and another of the new family together, radiating happiness and serenity in the hospital room. Max Verstappen’s baby, Lily, comes at a particularly eventful time. The Red Bull Racing star was scheduled to participate in the Miami Grand Prix – the sixth round of the 2025 Formula 1 season – but he chose to remain in Europe to be by Kelly’s side for the birth of their daughter. Red Bull confirmed his absence from Thursday’s media day, stating, “All is well and he will attend track tomorrow for the race weekend.” This gesture of prioritizing family over professional obligations was met with widespread support and admiration from fans, colleagues, and the wider Formula 1 community. Messages of congratulations poured in from all corners, including from Red Bull principal Christian Horner, Verstappen’s sister Victoria, and fellow drivers such as Alpine’s Jack Doohan and former F1 driver Roberto Merhi Muntan. For Verstappen, fatherhood is a new journey but not an entirely unfamiliar one. Since 2021 he has been in a relationship with Kelly Piquet, a successful model, columnist and media professional who is herself a scion of racing royalty. READ ALSO: Meet Verstappen’s girlfriend, Kelly Piquet who used to date Daniil Kvyat F1 Drivers’ wives and girlfriends: Who are current Formula 1 stars dating? Kelly is the daughter of three-time Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet and Dutch model Sylvia Tamsma and she has carved out her own impressive career in the worlds of fashion, media and public relations. Fluent in multiple languages and with nearly two million followers on Instagram, Kelly’s presence in the paddock is both influential and inspiring. Before welcoming Lily, Kelly was already a mother to Penelope, her daughter from a previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Verstappen has embraced the role of a “bonus dad” to Penelope, forming a close bond with her over the years. In his first interview after Lily’s birth, Verstappen reflected on this experience, saying: “I’m kind of like a bonus dad already with my girlfriend having a daughter, so I saw her grow up since she was one.” This foundation, he noted, has helped prepare him for the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood and he expressed confidence that he would find his own unique way to balance his new family life with the demands of elite motorsport. The arrival of Lily was not entirely unexpected by fans and followers of the couple. Verstappen and Piquet had announced the pregnancy in December 2024, sharing a tender image of Verstappen’s hand on Kelly’s belly with the caption: “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way. We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.” The anticipation built steadily over the ensuing months, culminating in the joyous announcement just ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. The timing of Lily’s birth added a layer of poignancy to the Miami race weekend. Verstappen who had recently claimed victory at the Japanese Grand Prix and sits third in the drivers’ standings arrived in Miami late Thursday after spending precious days with his newborn and partner. Despite the whirlwind of travel and the pressures of competition, Verstappen’s demeanor was one of contentment and gratitude. “Luckily, I got to spend a few days with them once she was born,” he told ESPN. “It’s been great. You never really know what to expect but it’s been very enjoyable and very special.” The Formula 1 fraternity also gave overwhelmingly positive sentiments to celebrate Max Verstappen’s baby girl. Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari’s leading driver and Verstappen’s long-time rival, extended his best wishes during the official Miami GP press conference. “I just wish him all the best. It’s such an amazing, special thing. I spoke to him briefly in Saudi and saw how excited he was. Big congrats to him.” The sentiment was echoed by fans and teams alike, with many noting the symbolic significance of Verstappen’s new role as only the second current father on the F1 grid, following Sauber driver Nico Hulkenberg.