Max Verstappen is driving into a new race — parenthood as his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, is pregnant with their first baby together, her second.
“Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way ❤️,” Verstappen, 27, and Piquet, 35, wrote via Instagram on Friday, December 6. “We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle 💫.”
In a stunning black-and-white maternity pic, the Formula 1 champ rested his hand on Piquet’s baby bump. She wore a pair of unbuttoned jeans with a white bra and a sheer lace blouse, which was left unfastened to show off her bare belly.
Piquet also reshared the announcement onto her Instagram Story, noting that she “cannot express how happy” she and Verstappen are to announce the news. (Piquet also shares 5-year-old daughter Penelope with ex-boyfriend Daniil Kyvat.)
“Thank you for all the sweet, warm messages,” Piquet wrote on Friday. “I understand how these announcements can be challenging for those who are longing for a child. While such news is often a joyous occasion, it can also evoke feelings of sadness, frustration or longing in those who are struggling with this.”
She continued, “If that’s you, I’m sending all my love, my deepest hugs and magic your way.”
To celebrate the pregnancy news, the Red Bull Racing driver and Piquet received several congratulatory messages from other athletes in his field.
“Verstappen-Piquet, all the other kids go-karting can pack their bag,” Giedo van der Garde wrote via Instagram comment. “Congrats to you two ♥️.”
Guga Lima added, “Fastest on earth?? Congratsss!! 👏😍.”
Verstappen’s sister Victoria, for her part, noted in another caption that she “can’t wait” to become an aunt.
Verstappen and Piquet first met in 2016, four years before they started dating.
“Something magical happened that night,” Piquet gushed to Vogue Netherlands in December 2022.
Verstappen and Piquet’s bond turned romantic in 2020 despite a nine-year age gap. They debuted their relationship via Instagram one year later.
“I think we have a very healthy relationship, easygoing, we have a lot of understanding and support for each other,” Piquet told Vogue Netherlands at the time. “You would think the age difference could be a challenge, but so far things are going really well. I also really appreciate how he treats [my daughter] Penelope. It’s so sweet to see. He always asks for her, always visits her to say hello when he leaves, and gets her love back. So cute!”
