Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet welcome first child

Reigning world champion Max Verstappen and partner Kelly Piquet have officially welcomed their first child together – a baby girl named Lily.

The couple shared the joyful news just ahead of the Miami Grand Prix weekend, sending the paddock – and the internet – into celebration mode faster than a Q3 flyer by the reigning world champion.

The Dutchman remained in Europe as long as possible before flying to Florida where he arrived late on Thursday night.

“Welcome to the world, sweet Lily,” Max wrote on Instagram alongside a photo of the trio, cradling their newborn. “Our hearts are fuller than ever - you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.”

With a racing pedigree that includes Max’s four titles and Kelly’s father, Nelson Piquet’s, three, little Lily has already inherited a legacy faster than a Red Bull pit stop

Lily joins in the Verstappen household her big sister Penelope, Piquet’s daughter from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, making for what we can only imagine will be a turbocharged sibling duo.

Verstappen is now only the second father on the F1 grid, joining F1 veteran Nico Hülkenberg in the "dad club".

Advice, Joy and a Little Humor from the Grid

Naturally, the news sparked reactions across the paddock. When asked during media day in Miami if he had any fatherly advice to offer Verstappen, Nico Hülkenberg chuckled:

“I hope it’s a good sleeper. We’ve been quite fortunate and lucky. But yeah, I think there's lots to discover – many beautiful, nice things that come with that. So yeah, I'm sure he'll enjoy it.”

• Read also: Verstappen misses Miami GP media day to await birth of first child

And what of his fiercest rivals? Well, Lewis Hamilton, who’s gone toe-to-toe with Verstappen more times than he cares to count, offered a warm, genuine sentiment.

“I just wish him all the best. It's such an amazing, special thing. I spoke to him briefly in Saudi and saw how excited he was. Big congrats to him,” said the seven-time world champion.

George Russell, meanwhile, managed to sneak in some relatable emotion — and a nod to his own experience as an uncle.

“I think we’re all professionals, but this is a personal part of your life,” he said.

“I guess for anyone who's had a kid, it’s a pretty special moment. So yeah, all the best to him. As Nico says, I think for many people it probably brings things to your life.

“I know what it's like when I see my nieces and nephews – they're not my kids, but they bring me so much joy when I spend time with them. And you've seen drivers in the past win championships and races who’ve got kids, so I don't see it changing anything on his professional level.”

If Verstappen’s parenting is anything like his driving — focused, aggressive, and ruthlessly efficient — baby Lily may be asking for a kart by Christmas.

For now, though, it's diapers over downforce, lullabies over lap times — and one very happy World Champion navigating the most meaningful upgrade in his life so far.

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