Just weeks after the joyous birth of their daughter Lily on May 2, 2025, Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet have made another heartwarming announcement that has fans buzzing with excitement. The couple, who welcomed their first child together ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, announced that they are expecting their second child, in a double dose of happiness for the Verstappen-Piquet family. Kelly, who is already mother to daughter Penelope from a previous relationship, confirmed the news alongside Verstappen. Family members, including Verstappen’s mother Sophie Kumpen, expressed their excitement.
The announcement came during a press conference ahead of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix on May 18, 2025. Verstappen, who has usually kept quiet about his private life, could not hide his joy as he shared: “Kelly and I are overjoyed to be expanding our family again. It’s a special time and we are grateful for all the love we have received.” Kelly shared his sentiments on Instagram, posting a photo of herself with Lily and Penelope, her hand gently resting on her stomach, with the caption: “Another mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way!” The post received millions of likes, with fans and Formula 1 colleagues flooding the comments with congratulations. Sophie Kumpen commented: “So happy for my growing family,” while Red Bull team boss Christian Horner added: “Even more joy for you both!”
The couple’s first child, Lily, was born just before the Miami Grand Prix, a moment that softened the usually intense Verstappen somewhat. He described fatherhood to ESPN as “really fun,” noting how their Monaco home had become a “zoo” with pets and how Penelope was adjusting to the new baby. Kelly, the daughter of three-time Formula 1 champion Nelson Piquet, celebrated her first Mother’s Day as a mother of two in Brazil on May 11, sharing touching Instagram tributes with her daughters and her own mother. The news of a second pregnancy so soon after Lily’s birth has drawn admiration for the way the couple have embraced their growing family, with X’s fans calling it “the ultimate power couple move.”
Verstappen’s 2025 season has been a mix of challenges and triumphs. Despite a sub-par start, with just one win in Japan, he remains a contender for the world championship, sitting third behind McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris. His pole position in Miami, secured just days after Lily was born, showed he can balance fatherhood and racing well, despite finishing behind Piastri. The announcement of a second child has led to speculation about how Verstappen will balance his demanding career with a growing family. He responded in Miami, saying: “I’m going to focus on racing and then go back to my family. It’s about balance and Kelly makes it work.”
Kelly’s role as a supportive partner and mother has been widely praised. Her experience raising Penelope, whose father is former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat, has prepared her for the challenges of parenting in the spotlight. Verstappen, who sees himself as a “bonus dad” to Penelope, has leaned on Kelly’s expertise, joking to Motorsport.com that he’s “already kind of a pro” thanks to her. The couple’s shared passion for motorsport – Kelly’s brother Nelson Piquet Jr. is also a racing driver – adds a unique dynamic, with fans joking on X that their children are “born with racing DNA”.
The Formula 1 community has rallied behind the couple, with Red Bull gifting Kelly and Lily luxury baby gear, while drivers including Yuki Tsunoda and David Coulthard have sent heartfelt messages. Horner, who predicted that the birth of Lily could boost Verstappen’s performance, has now joked that a second child could make him “unstoppable”. As Verstappen prepares for Imola, where he took pole position in 2024, he is under pressure to close the gap to McLaren. But off the track, his focus is clear: starting a family with Kelly.
This second pregnancy announcement underscores Verstappen and Piquet’s dedication to each other and their future together. From their home base in Monaco to the F1 paddock, they navigate fame, family and racing with grace. As Kelly wrote on Instagram: “Our hearts are full and more love to come.” For fans, the dual celebration is a reminder that even in the fast-paced world of F1, moments of personal joy reign supreme.
