Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles.
One app.

Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles. One news app.

Motorsport

Verstappen skips Miami media day as baby expected imminently

Max Verstappen KELLY PIQUET Nelson Piquet Red Bull F1 Penelope the Miami Grand Prix

Red Bull Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen is skipping Thursday media duties ahead of the Miami Grand Prix.

The reigning champion, who is expecting his first child with girlfriend Kelly Piquet, won’t be at the Miami track on Thursday for his regular scheduled media sessions, which drivers usually only miss for serious medical reasons.

Red Bull cited the four-time world champion’s baby as the reason for his absence. Although it hasn't been confirmed whether Piquet has already given birth, Verstappen's private jet was seen leaving the airport in Nice Thursday morning.

Motorsport.com understands that “all is well” in the Verstappen camp and the Dutchman is expected to attend the track for Friday’s practice session and sprint qualifying.

The pair, who have been dating since 2020, said they "couldn’t be happier" with their "little miracle" in a joint Instagram post confirming Piquet's pregnancy last year.

"Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way," they wrote alongside a snap of the Brazilian model's baby bump.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, with Kelly Piquet in Parc Ferme (Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images)

When asked about the news in the Abu Dhabi paddock, Verstappen said he was looking forward to parenthood.

"I'm already kind of a bonus dad," he said, referring to Piquet's daughter Penelope. "But I'm still very excited for sure."

Meanwhile, Piquet took to her Instagram Story to thank fans for their kind words and shared a sweet message.

"I understand how these announcements can be challenging for those who are longing for a child," she wrote. "While such news is often a joyous occasion, it can also evoke feelings of sadness, frustration or longing in those who are struggling with this. If that’s you, I’m sending all my love, my deepest hugs and magic your way."

The couple's child will have seven world championships in their lineage as Kelly is the daughter of three-time champion, Nelson Piquet.

She was previously in a relationship with Daniil Kvyat, who was replaced at Red Bull by Verstappen in 2016, and the pair co-parent Penelope.

Photos from Miami GP - Thursday

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

George Russell, Mercedes

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Ferrari SF-25

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Lando Norris, McLaren

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Frederic Vasseur, Ferrari

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Carlos Sainz, Williams

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Jack Doohan, Alpine

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Carlos Sainz, Williams

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

George Russell, Mercedes

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Peter Bayer, CEO Racing Bulls

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Oscar Piastri, McLaren

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team, Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team with Pharaoh Brown

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Laurent Mekies, Racing Bulls team principal

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Lando Norris, McLaren

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Carrie Schreiner, Team Ambassador for Stake F1 Team

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Oscar Piastri, McLaren

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

2025 Miami Grand Prix - Thursday

Formula 1

48

In this article

Emily Selleck

Formula 1

Max Verstappen

Red Bull Racing

Be the first to know and subscribe for real-time news email updates on these topics

Sign up to read this article

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here

Top stories on inkl right now

Arkansas Republican's Son Charged With Sexual Indecency With a Child After Wife Discovered 'Videos' in His Email: Report

Arkansas Republican's Son Charged With Sexual Indecency With a Child After Wife Discovered 'Videos' in His Email: Report

The son of an Arkansas lawmaker faces multiple charges after his wife discovered video depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child in his email.

Seven bodies have been pulled from Portland river in the past two weeks. Police say it’s normal

Seven bodies have been pulled from Portland river in the past two weeks. Police say it’s normal

The bodies were found in various waterways, including the Willamette River and the Columbia River since April 13

The Independent UK

The winners and losers from a wreck-filled NASCAR Cup race at Texas

The winners and losers from a wreck-filled NASCAR Cup race at Texas

Joey Logano is playoff-bound once again, leading a trio of drivers who started 24th or worse but ended the day with podium finishes at Texas. The pole-sitter wrecked, the outside pole-sitter had an incident on pit road, and the race really flew off the rails in the final stage. It…

Coalition of 19 states ask federal judge to reverse deep cuts to US Health and Human Services

Coalition of 19 states ask federal judge to reverse deep cuts to US Health and Human Services

Attorneys general in 19 states and Washington, D

The Independent UK

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

Trump administration offers $1,000 to undocumented immigrants to leave US

Trump administration offers $1,000 to undocumented immigrants to leave US

DHS claims payment will be issued after individuals leave the US and it has been confirmed through their app

The Guardian - US

AOC Dares Trump Border Czar to Prosecute Her For Advising Undocumented Immigrants: 'Come for Me, Do I Look Like I Care?'

AOC Dares Trump Border Czar to Prosecute Her For Advising Undocumented Immigrants: 'Come for Me, Do I Look Like I Care?'

AOC publicly challenged Trump's border czar Tom Homan, daring him to follow through on threats to refer her to the Department of Justice for advising undocumented immigrants

Related Stories

Top stories on inkl right now

Arkansas Republican's Son Charged With Sexual Indecency With a Child After Wife Discovered 'Videos' in His Email: Report

Arkansas Republican's Son Charged With Sexual Indecency With a Child After Wife Discovered 'Videos' in His Email: Report

The son of an Arkansas lawmaker faces multiple charges after his wife discovered video depicting sexually explicit conduct involving a child in his email.

Seven bodies have been pulled from Portland river in the past two weeks. Police say it’s normal

Seven bodies have been pulled from Portland river in the past two weeks. Police say it’s normal

The bodies were found in various waterways, including the Willamette River and the Columbia River since April 13

The Independent UK

The winners and losers from a wreck-filled NASCAR Cup race at Texas

The winners and losers from a wreck-filled NASCAR Cup race at Texas

Joey Logano is playoff-bound once again, leading a trio of drivers who started 24th or worse but ended the day with podium finishes at Texas. The pole-sitter wrecked, the outside pole-sitter had an incident on pit road, and the race really flew off the rails in the final stage. It…

Coalition of 19 states ask federal judge to reverse deep cuts to US Health and Human Services

Coalition of 19 states ask federal judge to reverse deep cuts to US Health and Human Services

Attorneys general in 19 states and Washington, D

The Independent UK

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

Trump administration offers $1,000 to undocumented immigrants to leave US

Trump administration offers $1,000 to undocumented immigrants to leave US

DHS claims payment will be issued after individuals leave the US and it has been confirmed through their app

The Guardian - US

AOC Dares Trump Border Czar to Prosecute Her For Advising Undocumented Immigrants: 'Come for Me, Do I Look Like I Care?'

AOC Dares Trump Border Czar to Prosecute Her For Advising Undocumented Immigrants: 'Come for Me, Do I Look Like I Care?'

AOC publicly challenged Trump's border czar Tom Homan, daring him to follow through on threats to refer her to the Department of Justice for advising undocumented immigrants

Our Picks

"Jesus glow": New cringe Christian trend

Conservative Christians are hawking faith like it's the hot new beauty treatment

Stress, not identity, drives riskier cannabis use among sexually diverse youth, new study finds

Cannabis is undoubtedly a polarizing substance. On one side: a century of restrictive laws made cannabis illegal. This was based on little science. On the other side: a torrent of wellness claims encourage consumers to buy cannabis products. These claims are also based on little science.

The Conversation

Hate asparagus? Try it raw

This salad is ready to steal the show at any barbecue or backyard gathering

‘Pure sugar-rush mayhem’: why I Wanna Hold Your Hand is my feelgood movie

The next entry in our ongoing series of mood-lifting films is a love letter to Robert Zemeckis’s 1978 comedy about Beatlemania fangirls

The Guardian - US

40 Times People Got Humbled Not Knowing Who They Were Actually Talking To (New Pics)

These people got humbled real quick.

Take one jar of gherkins, one deep-fat fryer: how to make the very best ‘frickles’

Fried pickles, or frickles, have been on US menus for decades. Now they’re having a moment in the UK, in restaurants, chippies and even Aldi. I tested the best brands for home battering

The Guardian - UK

Fourteen days free

Download the app

One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.

Download on the AppStore

Get it on Google Play