In a surprising turn of events just days before the highly anticipated Belgian Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing has officially confirmed that reigning world champion Max Verstappen will not be present at the scheduled media and press day in Spa-Francorchamps. The reason behind his sudden absence stems from an unexpected piece of personal news: his wife, Kelly Piquet, is reportedly expecting their first child together, and the announcement came earlier than anticipated.
According to a statement released by the Red Bull Racing press office, Verstappen received the news late last night while preparing for his usual pre-race routine. The team emphasized that the Dutch driver is in good health and will still participate in the race itself, but out of respect for his family and the significance of the occasion, he has been granted permission to miss media obligations.
“Family always comes first,” said a representative from Red Bull. “Max has our full support. He will join the team in Spa for the main race weekend, but he will not be available for Thursday’s media sessions. We ask for understanding from the media and fans during this special moment.”
The announcement has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 community and beyond. Verstappen, known for his laser focus and intense race preparation, rarely deviates from his planned schedule. His absence from a major press event is a rare occurrence and underscores the importance of the news he received. Sources close to the driver have confirmed that Kelly Piquet’s pregnancy is in the early stages, but both mother and child are healthy and doing well.
Fans from around the world have flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating this new chapter in Verstappen’s life. Many praised his decision to prioritize his family and admired Red Bull’s flexibility in allowing their star driver a brief pause from the spotlight. “Max has given us so many unforgettable moments on track,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “It’s heartwarming to see him cherish moments off the track as well.”
This marks another personal milestone for Verstappen, who at only 27 years of age, has already etched his name into Formula 1 history with multiple world titles and a string of dominant performances. With a child on the way, many speculate how this might influence his approach to racing — though those close to him believe it will only fuel his motivation further.
Team principal Christian Horner also offered his congratulations during a brief media interaction. “We’re all thrilled for Max and Kelly,” he said. “It’s a special time for them, and we fully support Max taking this short step back from media activities. He’s a professional, and we know he’ll be ready and focused when he’s back in the car.”
The Belgian Grand Prix is set to be a crucial race in this season’s championship battle, with Verstappen leading the standings comfortably. While the news of his growing family has added a deeply human layer to the weekend’s narrative, fans and pundits alike are already looking forward to seeing how this emotional boost might translate into his performance on the track.
For now, however, the focus is not on lap times or pole positions — but on a father-to-be who, despite the pressures of elite motorsport, chose to pause and celebrate life’s most precious news.
