Max Verstappen sent heartwarming message from rival as Red Bull ace skips Miami GP duties

has told to hope that his first child is a 'good sleeper', after the four-time world champion missed media duties at the to be with his partner, Kelly Piquet, who is due to give birth in the immediate future. Verstappen and Piqeut began dating in 2020, and the Dutchman has since played a role in raising the model's daughter, Penelope, who was born from her previous relationship with former Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat.

Now, the couple are expecting their first child together. News of the pregnancy was first shared in December, and while updates have been few and far between since then, Piquet has hinted that she and Verstappen are expecting a baby girl. Ahead of media day in Miami, the 27-year-old took time off to be with his partner as the birth approaches.

A Red Bull statement said: "Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby. All is well, and he will attend [the] 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."

Ahead of his child's birth, Verstappen has received some input from his friend and F1 rival, Hulkenberg. The 37-year-old's daughter was born in 2021, and he has been balancing motorsport and family time since then.

"It's true, though, as a fun fact that, since you know Checo (Sergio Perez) and KMag (Kevin Magnussen) left at the end of last year, that I was the only dad [in F1]," the Sauber driver explained ahead of the Miami GP.

"So yeah, he's joining that club, and I hope it's a good sleeper! We've been quite fortunate and lucky, but yeah, I think lots to discover... many beautiful and nice things that come with that, so I'm sure that he will enjoy that."

When Verstappen arrives in the United States, his attention will immediately turn to the World Championship fight. The Red Bull star is chasing a record-equalling fifth successive Drivers' Championship crown, but is facing stiff competition from the two McLaren racers.

Heading into the Miami race weekend, Oscar Piastri leads the way with a 10-point gap to team-mate Lando Norris in second. Verstappen is currently 12 off the lead in third, although with sprint points on offer in the United States on Saturday, the stakes are higher in round six of the 2025 campaign.