Max Verstappen has become a father for the first time.
The 27-year-old racing driver and his partner Kelly Piquet - who is the daughter of former Formula One star Nelson Piquet - announced in December that they were expecting their first child together and the pair have now taken to Instagram to reveal they have welcomed daughter Lily into the world.
Alongside a black and white photo of the baby's finger and another of the couple, with Kelly cradling the newborn as they sat on a hospital bed, they wrote in a joint Instagram post: "Welcome to the world, sweet Lily [flower emoji] Our hearts are fuller than ever - you are our greatest gift. We love you so much [heart emoji] (sic)"
In addition, Kelly - who also has five-year-old daughter Penelope with another Formula One driver, Daniil Kyvat - shared the family photo on her Instagram Story and thanked photographer Genevra Cecchi for capturing the "beautiful moment".
Kelly has also changed her Instagram bio so it now reads: "Never underestimate the power of Love [white heart emoji]
"Mom of Penelope and Lily [flower emoji] (sic)"
The confirmation of Lily's birth came after Max missed the Miami Grand Prix's press day as he prepared for the imminent arrival.
A spokesperson for Red Bull told the press: “Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby.
“All is well and he will attend track tomorrow for the race weekend.
“We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family.”
Announcing the pregnancy news in a joint post on their Instagram accounts in December, Max and Kelly posed with their hands on her stomach, but with their faces out of shot.
They captioned the image: "Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way. We couldn't be happier with our little miracle."
Kelly later took to her Instagram Story to thank fans for their messages and to acknowledge those who found such announcements difficult.
She wrote: "Cannot express how happy we are. Thank you for all the sweet warm messages.
"I understand these announcements can be challenging for those 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.
"If that's you, I'm sending all my love, my deepest hugs, and magic your way."
The couple are believed to have been dating since October 2020 but only went public with their relationship in January 2021.
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