Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen was notably absent from Thursday’s media day at the Miami Grand Prix, as he remained in Europe to be with his partner, Kelly Piquet, who is expecting their first child. Red Bull Racing confirmed his absence, citing the impending birth as the reason. The team assured fans that “all is well” and that Verstappen will participate in the race weekend, starting with Friday’s practice sessions .
Verstappen’s private jet departed Nice, France, on Thursday afternoon, heading towards Miami. This move aligns with the team’s statement that he will be present for the remainder of the race weekend .
Despite FIA regulations requiring drivers to attend media day, Verstappen is not expected to face penalties due to the personal nature of his absence. The Miami Grand Prix, featuring a sprint format, will proceed with practice and sprint qualifying on Friday, followed by the sprint race and main qualifying on Saturday, and culminating in the main race on Sunday .
Currently, Verstappen stands third in the Drivers’ Championship with 87 points, trailing leader Oscar Piastri by 12 points and second-place Lando Norris by 10 points. The Miami Grand Prix marks the sixth round of the 2025 Formula One World Championship and is the second of six Grands Prix this season to utilize the sprint format
Verstappen and Piquet, who announced their pregnancy in December 2024, are experiencing this significant personal milestone amidst a competitive season. Piquet, daughter of three-time F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet, has a daughter from a previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
As the Miami Grand Prix weekend unfolds, fans and the racing community exte
nd their best wishes to Verstappen and Piquet during this special time.
