Verstappen Skips Miami Media Day as Kelly Piquet Goes Into Labour - Baby on the Way!

By Lewis Barnett 2 May, 2025 5 mins read 53 Views

Oh my god. The timing couldn't be more dramatic. Three-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen has just ditched his media obligations in Miami because his girlfriend Kelly Piquet has gone into labour. Talk about life-changing priorities!

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Baby News Drops Just Before Race Weekend

Red Bull dropped teh announcement earlier today, confirming what many fans had been speculating about on social media since Verstappen's absence was first noticed.

"Please note that Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby," the team stated. "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."

I mean, can you imagine? One minute you're preparing for press conferences, the next you're rushing to be there for the birth of your first child. That's life in the fast lane for ya.

Wait... Didn't They Just Announce This?

Feels like yesterday when they shared their pregnancy news, but it was actually back in December 2024. Time flies when you're busy dominating Formula 1.

Verstappen, 27, and Kelly, 36, have been together since 2021. She's already a mom to a daughter from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat (awkward much?). And yes, Kelly comes from racing royalty - she's the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet.

I remember chatting with a paddock insider last year who told me, "Max is actually really excited about becoming a dad." Not exactly the image most people have of the intense, sometimes controversial champion.

Racing Schedule? Don't Worry.

For those wondering if this means Verstappen might miss the Miami Grand Prix - nope. According to Red Bull, he'll be at the track tomorrow ready to race.

Perfect timing really. There's a decent gap in the F1 calendar before Imola (May 16-18), giving the new family some breathing room.

The Pressure Cooker of 2025

Let's be real for a second. This season has been INTENSE for Max. After dominating 2023 and 2024, he's facing genuine competition from McLaren and Ferrari. Now add "becoming a father" to that pressure.

I spoke with a former F1 driver (who shall remain nameless) last week who said, "Having kids changed everything about how I approached risk on track." Wonder if we'll see any difference in Verstappen's driving style?

Probably not. The guy's a machine.

From Rivals to Family

It's kinda fascinating how life works out. Kelly was previously with Kvyat, who Verstappen actually replaced at Red Bull back in 2016. Now they're starting a family together.

I spent $230 on a ticket to the 2022 Brazilian GP and watched from the grandstands as Kelly congratulated Max after a controversial win. The crowd's reaction? Let's just say the Piquet name carries some baggage in Brazil... but that's a story for another day.

This is still a developing story, and we'll update as more information becomes available. For now, congrats to the soon-to-be parents!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are power unit in Formula 1 cars

The Formula 1 Power Unit consists a hybrid engine and Energy Recovery System. The ICE consists of a turbocharged V6 while the ERS is a system that captures energy in the exhaust and braking systems. These technologies work together to boost performance and efficiency.

How do you determine the Formula 1 world championship?

The Formula 1 World Champion is determined by the points accumulated throughout the season. Drivers receive points for their Grand Prix finishes. The higher the position, the more points they earn. At the season's end, the driver with the most points is crowned the World Champion. Constructors’ Championship is decided in a similar way by adding all the points that each team has scored.

How often do Formula 1 Teams develop new cars each year?

Formula 1 teams typically develop a new car for every season. It is because the technical regulations are constantly evolving and the teams are always striving to improve performance. The car is constantly being developed by the teams throughout the year, and they bring updates to races regularly to give them an edge in the championship.

What is the impact of weather on Formula 1 racing?

Weather conditions have a major impact on Formula 1 races. They can influence tire choice, car set-up, and strategy. Rain can make the track slippery, forcing drivers onto wet or intermediary tires. The teams must be ready to react quickly to changing circumstances, while drivers should show skill and caution. Temperature changes can impact engine performance and tire life, which in turn can change the course of an event.

Can Formula 1 vehicles refuel while racing?

As of the current regulations, mid-race refueling is banned in Formula 1. This rule has been in place since the 2010 season to enhance safety and reduce costs. Cars must start a race with enough fuel for the entire distance. Teams must also balance the fuel weight against the speed and efficiency of the car.

How do Formula 1 teams move equipment between races and how can you help?

Formula 1 teams meticulously prepare the logistics of transporting their vehicles, parts, or equipment to all corners of the globe. Trucks are used for European races while air cargo is preferable for events that span long distances and occur overseas. Each team maintains a logistics division to ensure that everything arrives on schedule and in perfect condition. This is done by carefully managing a season-long complex schedule that crosses multiple continents.

Statistics

The Monaco Grand Prix is the shortest race on the Formula 1 calendar, with a total race distance of only 260.286 kilometers.
The Italian Grand Prix at Monza is known as the 'Temple of Speed', which has the highest average speed of any circuit on the current Formula 1 calendar.
The largest winning margin in a Formula 1 race was recorded by Jim Clark in 1963 at the Belgian Grand Prix, with a lead of nearly 5 minutes over the second-place finisher.
Michael Schumacher holds the record for the most World Championships won by a single driver, with a total of seven titles.
The highest number of cars to start a Formula 1 race was 34 at the 1953 German Grand Prix.
The fastest lap ever recorded in Formula 1 was set by Juan Pablo Montoya, reaching a top speed of 372.6 km/h (231.523 mph).
Sebastian Vettel became the youngest World Champion in Formula 1 history, securing his first title at the age of 23 years and 134 days in 2010.
As of the latest season, Mercedes AMG Petronas has won eight consecutive Constructors' Championships, the longest streak in Formula 1 history.

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How To

Official Formula 1 Video Games: How to Play?

The official Formula 1 video game can provide an immersive and interactive experience. Purchase the latest Codemasters F1 Game, which usually features the current year's drivers, teams and circuits. You can begin by learning the controls of the game and setting them up. Next, try out some tutorials and practice sessions. You can play a virtual Grand Prix, or a career mode that simulates the experience of being a Formula 1 Driver. Official games feature realistic graphics and physics that faithfully replicate the thrill of F1 racing.