Photo: F1's Max Verstappen, Girlfriend Kelly Piquet Announce They're Expecting Child

Formula One superstar Max Verstappen announced Friday that he and his girlfriend, Brazilian model Kelly Piquet, are expecting their first child together.

Verstappen revealed the news in an Instagram post that included a photo of himself and Piquet along with the caption: "Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way."

The 27-year-old Verstappen is in the midst of one of the most dominant runs in F1 history, as he recently clinched his fourth consecutive title.

Although there is still one race left in the 2024 F1 season, Verstappen's fifth-place finish in the Las Vegas Grand Prix last month was enough to ensure that his points lead would be insurmountable.

The Dutch and Belgian driver made his F1 debut with Scuderia Toro Rosso in 2014 before making the move to Red Bull Racing in 2016.

Verstappen won his first career race with Red Bull in 2016, and he has finished sixth or better in the points standings every year since then.

After winning a remarkable 19 races last season, Verstappen has nine wins to his credit this season, and he is already third on the career wins list with 63 behind only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

Verstappen will cap another championship season Sunday when he competes in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.