Formula 1 star Max Verstappen has revealed that he and his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, are expecting their first child together. The Dutch driver, who recently clinched his fourth F1 World Championship title, shared the joyous news across social media on Friday, just days before he races in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way,” Verstappen wrote in an Instagram post. “We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.”
The announcement carries a deep connection to motorsport history, as both Verstappen and Piquet come from distinguished racing families. Verstappen, 27, is the son of Jos Verstappen, who competed in Formula 1 during the 1990s and early 2000s. Kelly Piquet, meanwhile, is the daughter of Brazilian legend Nelson Piquet, a three-time F1 world champion in the 1980s. Her brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., also left his mark on motorsport as a former Formula 1 driver and the inaugural Formula E champion in the 2014-15 season.
This isn’t the first foray into parenthood for Kelly Piquet, who has a daughter, Penelope, from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Interestingly, Verstappen replaced Kvyat at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, marking the start of his stellar career with Red Bull Racing.
The timing of the couple’s announcement adds an extra layer of celebration to Verstappen’s already remarkable season. Last month, he secured his fourth consecutive F1 championship during an electrifying race in Las Vegas. With the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, Verstappen will aim to notch his 10th win of the year, underscoring his dominance on the track.
The arrival of their baby in 2025 will make Verstappen one of just a few drivers on the current F1 grid balancing fatherhood with racing, joining Red Bull teammate Sergio Pérez and Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg. For Verstappen, this major personal milestone comes as he continues to solidify his legacy as one of Formula 1’s greatest talents.