Julia Piquet, closely associated with motorsport through her marriage to Daniel Suarez, made headlines when she delightedly shared her first meeting with Max Verstappen‘s newborn daughter, Lily, just after the close of the NASCAR Cup Series’ regular season in 2025. This tender family moment highlights the intersection of F1 and NASCAR worlds, while reflecting on Daniel Suarez’s NASCAR season 2025 as he battles through professional challenges.
Earlier in May 2025, Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet welcomed their daughter Lily, with Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 champion, having missed media day at the Miami Grand Prix to support his partner. The couple shared news of Lily‘s arrival with fans across social media, creating excitement among followers from both the Formula 1 and NASCAR communities.
Following the end of a high-pressure regular NASCAR season, Julia Piquet traveled to meet her niece for the first time. She posted a photo online that quickly gathered attention, writing:
“Finally met Lily Poo🥹”
—Julia Piquet, via Instagram
The moment did not go unnoticed by Verstappen, who responded warmly with a public comment on her post, stating, “So cute ❤️,” a reaction that was widely shared and appreciated by motor racing fans worldwide.
While Verstappen prepared for his much-anticipated return at his home race, the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort following Formula 1’s summer break, Julia continued to connect with family and fans alike. Her popularity, which soared after her appearance on the Netflix series Full Speed, has made her a recognized figure in both Formula 1 and NASCAR circles, even as she and Daniel Suarez have yet to start a family of their own.
Daniel Suarez’s Dramatic Daytona Race and Season Outlook
While Julia cherished her family moments, Daniel Suarez’s own story was unfolding on the NASCAR Cup Series stage. Entering the final race at the Coke Zero Sugar 400 in Daytona, Suarez was the only Trackhouse Racing driver not yet guaranteed a playoff spot, as his teammates Ross Chastain and Shane van Gisbergen had already secured their places. With the postseason within reach, he needed a victory to progress.
Starting from the twelfth position, Suarez spent much of the race battling mid-pack before storming forward during the last laps. In a dramatic finish, he gained 17 positions to secure second place, just 0.049 seconds behind Ryan Blaney, who ultimately took the win. The intense race captivated many NASCAR fans and showcased the difficulties and near-misses that have marked Daniel Suarez’s NASCAR season 2025.
This narrow defeat was another blow in what has otherwise been a challenging year, with Suarez clinching only one top-five finish throughout the season. Following the race, Julia shared pre-race images and offered heartfelt reactions to her husband’s effort and heartbreak online, as Trackhouse Racing had already confirmed that Suarez would not be returning to the No. 99 team in the next season, instead naming rising star Connor Zilisch as his successor for 2026.
With just ten races remaining, Suarez faces the prospect of ending his tenure at Trackhouse Racing without a playoff berth. Nevertheless, he remains determined to show his abilities throughout the rest of the postseason, while the broader motorsports community continues to support both his and Julia’s journeys, linking the worlds of NASCAR, Formula 1, and family milestones.
