Max Verstappen, Kelly Piquet welcome daughter Lily

Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula One world champion, and his partner Kelly Piquet have welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Lily, sharing the news on Instagram with heartfelt posts. Verstappen missed media day ahead of the Miami Grand Prix to be present for the birth but returned in time for practice and racing duties. Piquet, daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet and mother to a daughter from a previous relationship, and Verstappen both expressed their joy and gratitude for their newest family member. The announcement was met with congratulations from across the F1 community, with some drivers and commentators noting that fatherhood can bring positive effects for racers. Current F1 driver Nico Hulkenberg, also a father, dismissed concerns that parenthood might slow a driver's performance, emphasizing its benefits. Verstappen, who already acts as a father figure to Piquet's daughter Penelope, is said to be embracing this new chapter of his life both personally and professionally.