MAX VERSTAPPEN is making a last-minute dash to the Miami Grand Prix after skipping media duties with girlfriend Kelly Piquet expecting a baby any day.
Verstappen, 27, announced last December that he would be becoming a father with his first child.
Brazilian model Piquet, 36, is the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet and has a five-year-old daughter, Penelope, with ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
The due date is May 6 – two days after the race in Florida.
But SunSport understands Verstappen delayed his flight out to the United States to be at home with Kelly in Monaco.
As reported by Motorsport.com, his private jet was spotted leaving an airport in Nice on Thursday morning.
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It means he did not arrive in time to fulfil his media duties on Thursday.
But Red Bull insist that the Dutch driver is expected at the circuit in Florida on Friday.
A statement from the team said: “Please note that 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.
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“We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family.”
Practice 1 takes place on Friday lunchtime Miami time – six hours behind the time zone in Monaco – with sprint qualifying later in the afternoon.
There is then the sprint race at 12pm on Saturday plus qualifying for the Grand Prix at 4pm.
Lights out on race day is 24 hours later at 4pm on Sunday.
And it is understood Verstappen is hoping to line up on the grid where he will try and cut the gap on Oscar Piastri.
The Australian sits top of the drivers’ standings on 99 points, ten clear of McLaren team-mate Lando Norris – with Verstappen third on 87.
Despite becoming a dad, the four-time reigning world champ is not set to miss a race, with a brief window before Imola which will take place from May 16 to 18.
Despite Verstappen looking on course to continue racing for now, it is thought he may decide to take next year off from the sport.
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Red Bull adviser Helmut Marko stoked flames last month by saying the concern about the Dutchman leaving was “great” and an unnamed F1 driver said he believes Verstappen most likely route is a season on the sidelines.
Verstappen and Piquet started dating in 2020 – four years after meeting at a dinner – after her relationship with Kvyat.
Source: Motorsport - thesun.co.uk
