Miami Gardens, United States (AFP) — World champion Max Verstappen will arrive a day late to the Miami Grand Prix while he awaits the birth of his first child.

The Red Bull driver will be at the track on Friday ahead of practice but will skip the promotional and media events on Thursday, the team said.

“Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby. All is well, and he will attend the track tomorrow for the race weekend. We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect of the privacy of Max and his family,” Red Bull said.

The Dutchman’s partner is Kelly Piquet, daughter of Brazil’s triple world champion Nelson and the pair announced the pregnancy news in December.

The 27-year-old driver is third overall in the driver’s championship after five races, 12 points behind Australian leader Oscar Piastri of McLaren.