Red Bull's Max Verstappen is sitting out Formula 1’s media day at the Miami Grand Prix — and for the best of reasons.
The reigning world champion is staying close to home in Europe for as long as possible as he and partner Kelly Piquet await the arrival of their first child together.
The Dutchman was originally scheduled to land in Florida on Wednesday to fulfil his usual pre-race press commitments. But as excitement builds on both sides of the Atlantic — for the race weekend and his growing family — Verstappen is prioritising fatherhood this time around.
In a brief statement shared with media on Thursday morning, Red Bull Racing confirmed Verstappen’s absence, citing the imminent arrival of his baby.
“Hi all, please note that Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby,” the team announced.
“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.”
The couple first announced the pregnancy back in December, sharing the news just ahead of the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
“We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle,” they wrote on social media, referring to their future bundle of joy as their “mini Verstappen-Piquet.”
While this will be Verstappen’s first child, Piquet is already a mother to daughter Penelope — often seen trackside frantically cheering on the four-time world champion.
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The soon-to-be big sister has been a fixture in the paddock and is likely to embrace the role with enthusiasm.
Despite the delay in his travel, Verstappen will take part in the Miami Grand Prix weekend as planned to continue his pursuit of a fifth consecutive world title.
Verstappen currently sits third in the standings, 12 points behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, following a turbulent start to the 2025 season.
But with a baby on the way and Miami’s high-stakes sprint weekend on the horizon, the Red Bull driver is gearing up for what could turn out to be a memorable few days.
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