The Dutchman Max Verstappen will be absent from the traditional meeting against the media on Thursday, on the eve of the qualification session and then the Sprint race. The quadruple world champion will indeed attend the birth of his first child.
In life, there are priorities. Even the tireless competitor that is Max Verstappen understood this. The quadruple world champion skipped the Day media scheduled for Thursday, at D-2 of the Miami GP. The Dutchman will join his partner Kelly Piquet, daughter of the triple Brazilian world champion Nelson Piquet, who will give birth to their first child. But Verstappen should be back in time in Florida to compete in the qualification and the race sprint on Friday, then the grand-prix on Sunday.
“Please note that Max will not participate in the media day in Miami because he is waiting for the birth of his child,” said Red Bull soberly on site. “Everything is fine, and he will be present tomorrow on the circuit for the race weekend. No other comments will be made for the moment, out of respect for the private life of Max and his family.”
Third in the pilot ranking behind Piastri and Norris, Verstappen won the Japanese GP in early April. The Red Bull driver signed a good second place in Saudi Arabia during the last race. Under contract with the British stable until 2028, Verstappen, already courted by Saudi Arabia, would be tempted by a new adventure with Honda. He did not hide his sadness when the contract between the Japanese engine manufacturer and Red Bull will end at the end of the season.
