Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen will have to learn to drive slowly because soon he’ll have a baby on board!
Verstappen, who just secured his fourth consecutive F1 World Drivers’ Championship title in late November, and his girlfriend, Brazilian model Kelly Piquet, announced that they will be expecting their first child together.
On Dec. 6, Verstappen, 27, posted a black and white photo of his and Piquet’s hands on her stomach, excluding their faces from the photo, to announce the news of his imminent fatherhood.
“Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way,” Verstappen captioned his post. “We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.”
Fellow F1 drivers, including Esteban Ocon and Oscar Piastri, expressed happiness for the couple.
Pierre Gasly wrote “Congratulations to you 2!!”
Former F1 driver David Coulthard commented: “Here comes the next 10x World Champion.”
In an Instagram story sharing the same photo, Piquet expressed her thanks for well wishes but also had a message for women who may be struggling with infertility.
“I understand how these announcements can be challenging for those who are longing for a child. While such news is often a joyous occastion, it can also evoke feelings of sadness, frustration, or longing in those who are struggling with this. If that’s you, I’m sending all my love, my deepest hugs and magic your way,” she wrote.
Verstappen and Piquet have been together since 2020, going Instagram official on New Years Day in 2021. Piquet is also mother to daughter, Penelope, who she shares with Russian racing driver Daniil Kyvat.
While entering the racing track for the final Grand Prix of the season at Abu Dhabi, Verstappen was asked if he’s excited to be a dad.
“Of course I’m already kind of a ‘bonus dad.’ But I’m still very excited!” Verstappend told Sports Illustrated.
