The racing world is buzzing with the news that four-time F1 World Champion Max Verstappen and his long-time girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, are expecting their first child together. Announced just before the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the pregnancy has sparked both excitement and speculation—especially from Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, who couldn’t resist joking about the “massive potential” the unborn child might inherit.
With a family legacy steeped in motorsport excellence, this child could very well be destined for greatness—or at least that’s the playful sentiment shared by Marko.
“Racing Genes of a Champion”
Kelly Piquet, daughter of three-time F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet, already shares a racing lineage with Verstappen, who clinched his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship in 2024. Marko quipped that with such an impressive pedigree, the child is bound to possess extraordinary potential:
“That’s a bit far-fetched, but if the grandfather is a three-time world champion and the father a four-time, there must be some potential in terms of genes.”
While the comment was made in jest, the blend of Piquet and Verstappen DNA has fans dreaming of another generation of F1 dominance.
“A Fast Future, Regardless of Gender”
Though it’s early days—the couple hasn’t even revealed the baby’s gender—Marko emphasized that it wouldn’t matter whether the child was a boy or a girl. He confidently asserted that women in motorsport are just as capable of being lightning-fast:
“We don’t know yet whether it will be a boy or a girl, which ultimately doesn’t matter. Fast women are just as desirable.”
The comment underscores a growing recognition of female talent in motorsport, with women increasingly making their mark in competitive racing.
“Verstappen’s Take on Parenthood”
Verstappen, who has embraced his role as a “bonus dad” to Piquet’s daughter from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, has already expressed his perspective on parenting. The Dutchman has made it clear he won’t pressure his child into following in his racing footsteps:
“I would never force my child into motorsports; they should pursue their own passions.”
In his typically lighthearted style, Verstappen joked about needing more vacations to spend quality time with his growing family. The 27-year-old is eager to step into this new chapter of his life while balancing his high-pressure career in Formula 1.
“A Bright Future Ahead”
As Verstappen prepares for the 2025 season and his fifth championship quest, his family is poised to expand, adding even more motivation to his incredible journey. Whether this new arrival follows a path into motorsport or carves out their own destiny, one thing is certain: the world will be watching closely.
For now, as Helmut Marko and fans alike speculate about the potential of this next-generation Verstappen, the family’s focus remains on celebrating this joyous news.
