In a heartwarming announcement that has captured the hearts of Formula 1 fans worldwide, Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet welcomed their first child, a daughter named Lily Verstappen-Piquet, in early May 2025. The couple, who shared the joyous news ahead of the Miami Grand Prix, recently opened up about the deeply personal significance behind their baby’s name, revealing a touching story of love, legacy, and family ties.
Lily, a name evoking purity and renewal, was chosen with careful thought, reflecting the couple’s shared values and heritage. In a recent interview, Kelly Piquet, the daughter of three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet, explained that the name Lily holds a special connection to her Brazilian roots. “In Brazil, lilies are symbols of love and new beginnings,” she said. “They remind me of my childhood, of moments spent with my family, and the beauty of starting something new.” For Kelly, the name represents the fresh chapter she and Max have embarked on as parents.
Max Verstappen, the four-time defending F1 world champion, echoed Kelly’s sentiments, adding that the name also resonates with his Dutch background. “In the Netherlands, lilies are associated with peace and devotion,” he shared. “It felt like the perfect name for our daughter, who has already brought so much joy and calm into our lives.” The couple’s decision to blend their cultural influences underscores their commitment to creating a meaningful legacy for their daughter.
The announcement of Lily’s birth came with a heartfelt Instagram post, captioned, “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.” The post, accompanied by tender images of the newborn, sparked an outpouring of love from fans and family alike. Max’s sister, Victoria Verstappen, commented, “Can’t wait to meet her,” while his mother, Sophie Kumpen, expressed her delight with an affectionate reaction on social media.
Lily’s arrival marks a significant milestone for the couple, who have been together since 2021. Kelly, already a mother to five-year-old Penelope from a previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, has seamlessly blended her family with Max, who embraces his role as a “bonus dad” to Penelope. The couple’s journey into parenthood has been met with admiration, with fans noting their dedication to balancing family life with Max’s demanding racing schedule.
Beyond the personal significance of Lily’s name, her birth has also highlighted the couple’s racing pedigree. With a father like Max, a grandfather like Nelson Piquet, and a grandmother, Sophie Kumpen, who was a karting champion, Lily has inherited an extraordinary motorsport legacy. Red Bull team principal Christian Horner humorously remarked, “If it was a racehorse, it’d be worth a fortune,” alluding to the incredible genes Lily carries.
Kelly has continued to share glimpses of their new life as a family of four, posting heartwarming photos of Lily and Penelope together. A recent Instagram post featuring the sisters drew praise from fans, with one writing, “Mama Kelly and baby Lily together – so beautiful!” Despite the challenges of motherhood and Max’s hectic F1 calendar, Kelly has embraced her role with grace, even celebrating Max’s first Father’s Day with a touching tribute.
As Max continues to compete in the 2025 F1 season, currently sitting third in the drivers’ standings, the couple remains grounded in their love for each other and their growing family. Lily Verstappen-Piquet’s name, a symbol of their shared journey, stands as a testament to their enduring bond and the legacy they hope to pass on to their daughter.
Sources: GPFans.com, Sportskeeda, GPBlog.com, Yahoo Sports, Newsweek
