Miami (AFP) — Four-time Formula One world champion Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet on Friday announced the birth of their daughter, Lily, on the eve of the Miami Grand Prix.

“Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever - you are our greatest gift. We love you so much,” Verstappen wrote on Instagram, accompanied by photos of the couple and their newborn swaddled in a blanket.

Verstappen was due to arrive at the track in Miami on Friday ahead of practice after skipping the pre-race promotional and media events while awaiting the birth of his first child.

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

Verstappen’s partner Kelly Piquet, 36, is the daughter of Brazil’s triple world champion Nelson Piquet.

She has another daughter from a previous relationship with Russian ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.