We Couldn’t Be Happier: Max Verstappen Reveals Emotions About First Child With Model Girlfriend Kelly Piquet, Living With Former Russian F1 Driver Daniil Kvyat’s 5-Year-Old Daughter
The Formula 1 world is once again in a celebratory mood, and this time not because of a victory on the track, but because of some wonderful personal news from Max Verstappen and his girlfriend Kelly Piquet. The couple recently welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Lily, and the four-time world champion could not be happier. Verstappen, who has been a steady force in Formula 1 for years, is now sharing a new chapter in his life as a father, in addition to his role as bonus dad to Piquet’s five-year-old daughter Penelope from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. The moment marks an emotional milestone for the Dutchman, who has openly shared his joy and gratitude with the world.
In early December 2024, Verstappen and Piquet announced their pregnancy in a heartwarming Instagram post, writing: “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way. We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.” The announcement was met with enthusiasm, with congratulations from fellow drivers including Oscar Piastri, Pierre Gasly and Fernando Alonso, as well as Red Bull team boss Christian Horner and even MotoGP star Marc Marquez. The post quickly went viral, with over a million likes and an outpouring of warm reactions from fans worldwide. The couple’s joy was palpable, with the world eagerly awaiting the arrival of their child.
On May 5, 2025, Lily was born, and Verstappen shared a touching photo of himself, Piquet, and their newborn daughter. “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily,” he wrote, expressing his pride and love for his newborn family. Despite his busy schedule as a Formula 1 driver, Verstappen made sure he was present for the birth, even if it meant missing a media day ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. Red Bull Racing insisted he would race, and Verstappen proved once again that he can balance his professional commitments and personal life perfectly.
Kelly Piquet, the 36-year-old daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet and Dutch model Sylvia Tamsma, brings her own background to the relationship. She is no stranger to the Formula 1 world, not only through her father, but also through her previous relationship with Daniil Kvyat, with whom she had daughter Penelope in 2019. Piquet and Verstappen have been together since October 2020, after meeting in 2016 through her brother Nelson Piquet Jr., a close friend of Verstappen. Their relationship blossomed quickly, and the couple now live together in Monaco, where they form a close-knit family with Penelope, whom Verstappen affectionately calls “P”.
The dynamic between Verstappen and Penelope is heartwarming. Fans have often seen the driver in his Twitch livestreams, where Penelope sometimes interrupts him to play, and Verstappen drops everything to spend time with her. He stresses that he is not trying to take over the role of her biological father, Kvyat, but that he has an important place in her life. “I see her every day when I’m home, we get along well. She’s very cute,” he said in an earlier interview. This bond shows how Verstappen, despite his tough image on the track, has a soft and caring side in his private life.
For Piquet, motherhood is nothing new, but the arrival of Lily brings a new dimension to her life. She has always been open about her desire to expand her family, a dream she shared in an interview with Vogue in 2022. Her background as a model, columnist and influencer, combined with her deep connection to motorsport, makes her a versatile and powerful woman. Her net worth is estimated between 1 and 3 million euros, a fraction of Verstappen’s estimated fortune, but her independence and passion make her an equal partner.
Lily’s arrival has not only enriched the lives of Verstappen and Piquet, but also that of their families. Verstappen’s mother, Sophie Kumpen, and his sister Victoria shared their joy over the new addition to the family. “Very happy to welcome another one into our family,” Sophie wrote on Instagram. In the meantime, Verstappen remains focused on his career, but it’s clear that his family is his priority. The winter break gives him the chance to fully dedicate himself to his new role as a father, while he and Piquet plan their future together in their luxurious life in Monaco.
This baby news underlines Verstappen’s human side, away from the spotlight of Formula 1. It shows a man who, despite his unparalleled success on the track, embraces fatherhood with the same passion and dedication. For Max and Kelly, this is just the beginning of a new adventure, and as they say themselves, they couldn’t be happier.
