Miami, May 3, 2025 – Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has sent shockwaves through the F1 community and beyond by revealing the name of his newborn daughter, born to him and partner Kelly Piquet earlier this week.

The Red Bull star, fresh off a third-place finish in the Drivers’ Championship standings, announced the name during a brief but emotional press conference before the Miami Grand Prix, leaving fans, family, and fellow drivers in awe of the deeply personal reason behind the choice.

The Name: Emilia Sophie Verstappen-Piquet

Verstappen and Piquet have named their daughter Emilia Sophie Verstappen-Piquet, a name that combines elegance with profound significance. The couple, who welcomed their first child together on May 1, 2025, in Monaco, shared that the name was chosen to honor two pivotal figures in their lives, reflecting their shared journey and values.

• Emilia: The name Emilia pays tribute to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, home to the Imola circuit, where Verstappen claimed his first Grand Prix victory with Red Bull in 2016 at the age of 18. This win marked his meteoric rise as the youngest race winner in F1 history and solidified his bond with the Red Bull team, which he describes as his “second family.” Verstappen explained, “Imola was where it all began for me with Red Bull. Naming her Emilia is our way of carrying that moment with us forever.”
• Sophie: The middle name Sophie is a heartfelt nod to Verstappen’s mother, Sophie Kumpen, a former karting champion who played a crucial role in his early racing career. “My mom sacrificed so much for me to chase this dream,” Verstappen said, visibly emotional. “She’s my biggest supporter, and giving our daughter her name feels like the perfect way to honor her.”

A Surprise to Family and Fans

The announcement came as a surprise to many, including Verstappen’s family, who were unaware of the couple’s final name choice until the press conference. Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, a former F1 driver, shared a post on X: “Emilia Sophie – what a beautiful name! I’m so proud of Max and Kelly, and I’m touched they chose to honor Sophie. Welcome to the family, little one!” The post garnered thousands of likes, reflecting the outpouring of support from fans.

The F1 community was equally stunned, with drivers like Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc offering congratulations. Norris, who has been battling Verstappen for the 2025 championship, quipped, “Emilia Sophie sounds like a future world champion already! Congrats, mate.” Meanwhile, social media platforms like X buzzed with reactions, with fans noting the poetic connection to Verstappen’s career milestones. One trending post read: “Emilia for Imola, Sophie for his mom – Max just made naming a baby the most epic F1 tribute ever! 🏎️ #MiniVerstappen.”

The Reason Behind the Name

Verstappen and Piquet’s decision to name their daughter Emilia Sophie was rooted in a desire to blend their personal and professional worlds. Kelly Piquet, a model and daughter of three-time F1 champion Nelson Piquet, revealed in an Instagram post that the couple spent months deliberating over names. “We wanted something that told our story,” she wrote. “Emilia represents Max’s incredible journey in F1, and Sophie is a tribute to the family strength that got him there. Our little girl carries both with her.”

The choice also reflects the couple’s intention to raise their daughter with an appreciation for their racing heritage. Piquet, who is already a mother to daughter Penelope (from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat), emphasized that Emilia would grow up in a household where “passion and family come first.” Verstappen echoed this sentiment, adding, “I don’t care if she races or not. I just want her to know where we came from and to be proud of it.”

Timing and Context

The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for Verstappen, who missed Thursday’s media day at the Miami Grand Prix to be present for Emilia’s birth in Monaco. Red Bull confirmed his absence was due to the impending arrival, stating, “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.” His private jet was spotted departing Nice Airport on Thursday evening, ensuring he arrived in Miami for Friday’s practice sessions.

Despite the personal milestone, Verstappen remains focused on his 2025 title chase. Currently third in the standings, 12 points behind leader Oscar Piastri, he is determined to secure a fifth consecutive Drivers’ Championship. His recent victory at the Japanese Grand Prix, described by BBC Sport’s Andrew Benson as “a weekend of rare perfection,” underscores his competitive edge. However, the birth of Emilia has added a new dimension to his life, with Verstappen admitting, “It’s hard to describe how it feels to be a dad. It’s bigger than any race win.”

Reactions and Future Implications

The F1 paddock has embraced the news, with Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko, nicknamed the “unofficial great-granddad” by Jos Verstappen, joking that Emilia might one day race for Red Bull. “She’s got the genes for it, but let’s let her enjoy being a baby first!” Marko told Krone Zeitung. Meanwhile, Piquet’s baby shower, held on Verstappen’s yacht Unleash the Lion, had already hinted at a girl with its pink and green decor, fueling fan speculation.

For Verstappen, Emilia’s arrival marks a new chapter. He has been open about his role as a “bonus dad” to Penelope, often seen with her at races and on his livestreams. The addition of Emilia strengthens his family unit, and he has expressed excitement about the experience, saying, “I’ve had some practice with Penelope, so I’m ready for this!”

As Verstappen prepares for the Miami Grand Prix, the F1 world is abuzz with admiration for his heartfelt name choice. Emilia Sophie Verstappen-Piquet, with a name steeped in racing history and family love, has already stolen the spotlight. Whether she follows in her father’s tire tracks or forges her own path, one thing is certain: the “Mini Verstappen-Piquet” is destined to be a star.