MAX VERSTAPPEN has become a dad for the first time after girlfriend Kelly Piquet gave birth to a baby girl.
The four-time world champion has announced the arrival of little Lily hours before practice begins at the Miami Grand Prix.
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Verstappen and Piquet shared a picture of tot gripping onto a finger with the words: “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily 🌸.
“Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.”
The happy news led to lots of well-wishes from fans and family, with Verstappen’s sister Victoria writing: “Can’t wait to meet her!”
Lily was born on Thursday and Verstappen later flew out to Florida on the same day.
The Dutchman had delayed his flight to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.
That meant the new dad, 27, missed Thursday’s usual media briefing, as he was in the air in his private jet after leaving an airport in Nice.
Despite the news coming hours before practice begins in Florida, title-challenging Verstappen is expected to race for Red Bull this weekend.
A statement from the team said: “Please note that Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby.
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“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.”
Practice 1 takes place on Friday lunchtime Miami time – six hours behind the time zone in Monaco – with sprint qualifying later at 9:30pm GST.
There is then the sprint race at 12pm on Saturday plus qualifying for the Grand Prix at 4pm.
Lights out on race day is 24 hours later at 4pm on Sunday.
Verstappen – who picked up his only weekend win in Japan this season – will try and cut the gap on Oscar Piastri.
The Australian sits top of the drivers’ standings on 99 points, ten clear of McLaren team-mate Lando Norris – with Verstappen third on 87.
Brazilian model Piquet, 36, is the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet and has a five-year-old daughter, Penelope, with ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
Verstappen and Piquet started dating in 2020 – four years after meeting at a dinner – after her relationship with Kvyat ended.
The Dutchman revealed that hates being famous and wants to spend more time with his family in a new Viaplay documentary this week.
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