Max Verstappen arrives late ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on Thursday due to the imminent birth of her first child with partner Kelly Piquet.
The couple announced they were looking forward to it late last year, and Verstappen remained in Europe longer than this week as Piquet dates are so close to the race in Miami. As a result, the defending champions will not arrive late on Thursday. That means you miss Thursday’s media commitment, but prepare yourself for the on-track action to begin on Friday.
“Max will not be attending Miami’s Media Day because he expects a baby,” Red Bull confirmed. “Everything is going well and he will be on the track tomorrow on the race weekend. At this point, we will not offer any further comments regarding Max and his family’s privacy.”
Piquet already has daughter Penelope due to her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
Verstappen will be the second father, who is currently racing in Formula 1 after Nico Hulkenberg.
“It was a fun fact that I was the only one since Checo and K-Mag left late last year. I was the only dad,” Hulkenberg said. “Yeah, he’s in that club. I hope it’s a good sleeper! We were very fortunate and fortunate. But I think there’s a lot to discover – the many beautiful, lovely things that come with it. So he’ll enjoy it.
“Everyone is clearly different, but personally, it’s not. Once you step into the car, you get off the visor and go out.
“I personally feel that there’s an added benefit because it gives me a lot outside of work and outside of Formula 1. So, if there is, I’d even say that it’s also useful for me.”
George Russell also believes that Verstappen could become even stronger as a father. The Dutch have often referenced how happy he is in his personal life, regardless of his performance on the track.
“We’re all experts, but this is a personal part of your life,” Russell said. “I think it’s a pretty special moment for anyone with kids, so it’s the best for him.
“As Nico says, I think for many people it will probably bring things to your life. I know what it is when I see my nie or nephew – they are not my kids, but they bring me a lot of joy when I spend time with them.
“I hope he’s all the best,” added Lewis Hamilton. “It’s very special. I spoke to him briefly in Saudi Arabia and saw how excited he was.