Verstappen is becoming a dad and Hamilton has the perfect reaction
Reigning World Champion Max Verstappen skipped Miami GP media duties for the birth of his first child, earning praise for prioritizing family and receiving well wishes from rivals including Lewis Hamilton. He returns to the track for Friday's crucial Sprint action, balancing this major personal milestone with his pursuit of a fifth title and debuting a new car upgrade.
Max Verstappen, the reigning World Champion and a contender for a remarkable fifth successive drivers' title, was notably absent from his scheduled media appearances on Thursday ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. The reason for the 27-year-old driver's absence was a significant personal one: the expected birth of his first child. Red Bull Racing confirmed Verstappen would miss media day, respecting the privacy of Max and his family while assuring that "All is well" and he would join the team at the track for Friday's crucial Sprint weekend action.
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The news quickly spread, prompting an outpouring of support from within the Formula 1 paddock, including from his competitors. Lewis Hamilton, one of Verstappen's fiercest rivals on track, offered his heartfelt congratulations, stating, "I spoke to him briefly in Saudi and saw how excited he was. Big congrats to him." This exchange was noted as a "rare, warm moment" between the two, highlighting a shared humanity that transcends their intense competition.
George Russell also extended his best wishes, recognizing that welcoming a child is a "pretty special moment" for anyone, adding a personal touch by mentioning the joy his own nieces and nephews bring him. Fellow driver Nico Hulkenberg also sent well wishes, hoping for "good sleepers" and noting the many "beautiful and nice things" that come with parenthood, expressing confidence that Max would enjoy it.
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Verstappen's decision to step away from mandatory media duties, even briefly, to be present for such a pivotal family moment was widely praised by fans and insiders alike for demonstrating a clear prioritization of personal life over the relentless demands of his sport.
Despite this major life event, Verstappen is set to return to his professional duties immediately. The Miami Grand Prix weekend features a Sprint format, meaning competitive sessions, including Sprint Qualifying, begin promptly on Friday evening, making his presence at the track essential unlike a standard race weekend where Friday practice might be less critical.
Verstappen currently sits third in the 2025 Formula 1 season standings after five rounds, seeking to climb higher. He resides in Monaco with his partner Kelly Piquet, though the location of the birth was not specified.
Adding to the professional context of his return, reports indicate that Max Verstappen will be debuting a new floor upgrade on his Red Bull car in Miami, a technical advantage that his teammate Yuki Tsunoda reportedly will not have access to. Thus, Verstappen heads into the crucial Miami weekend balancing the personal joy of becoming a father with the technical ambition of enhancing his car's performance in his pursuit of a fifth championship.
