Red Bull’s Max Verstappen becomes a dad on eve of Miami Grand Prix

MIAMI - Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet on May 2 announced the birth of their daughter, Lily, on the eve of the Miami Grand Prix.

“Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever - you are our greatest gift. We love you so much,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram, accompanied by photos of the couple and their newborn swaddled in a blanket.

Verstappen was due to arrive at the track in Miami on May 2 ahead of practice, after skipping the pre-race promotional and media events while awaiting the birth of his first child.

The 27-year-old Dutchman is third overall in the drivers’ championship after five races, 12 points behind Australian leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren.

Verstappen’s partner Kelly Piquet, 36, is the daughter of Brazil’s triple world champion Nelson Piquet.

She has another daughter from a previous relationship with Russian ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.

Verstappen joins Sauber's Nico Hulkenberg as the only fathers on the current Formula One starting grid following the departures of Mexican Sergio Perez and Denmark's Kevin Magnussen.

Le Mans 24 Hours winner Hulkenberg, 37, told reporters in Miami that being a father had not slowed him down and had in fact been only beneficial for his racing.

"Once we step in the car - visor down, go out - even for me, I tend to forget what goes on outside because we're just so focused and so driven to perform and maximise," he said.

"I just personally feel it (fatherhood) has added benefit because it’s giving me so much outside of work and outside of being in Formula One. So I would even say it’s kind of been helpful for me, if anything."

Mercedes driver George Russell, who has nieces and nephews, agreed: "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." AFP, REUTERS