F1 champ Max Verstappen welcomes first child

Formula One superstar Max Verstappen has announced the birth of his first child with partner Kelly Piquet.

The four-time defending world champion posted a photo to Instagram on Friday of the couple with daughter Lily.

"Welcome to the world, sweet Lily," Verstappen wrote. "Our hearts are fuller than ever - you are our greatest gift. We love you so much."

The 27-year-old Dutch driver missed Thursday's media day for Sunday's Miami Grand Prix but is expected to practice on Friday.

Piquet is the daughter of former F1 world champion Nelson Piquet. She has a daughter, Penelope, from a previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.

Red Bull Racing's Verstappen currently ranks third in the drivers' standings, trailing McLaren teammates Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.