Max Verstappen’s New Chapter
This spring, the world discovered how Max Verstappen‘s life has shifted, though not as dramatically as many anticipated. The Dutch driver, along with his partner Kelly Piquet, celebrated the arrival of their daughter, Lily, ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. As this marks Verstappen’s first child, discussions arose about its potential impact on his racing performance. After claiming pole position soon after, he humorously noted, “Clearly it didn’t make me slower, being a dad.”
Adapting to Fatherhood
Verstappen shared with The Athletic during an Austrian GP weekend that transitioning to parenthood hasn’t been jarring. He spoke comfortably about this new journey, recalling his involvement with Penelope, Piquet and former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat’s daughter, since she was one. “You get to understand how to live with a little one,” he remarked. “I think that has prepared me quite well for my own little girl.”
A Racing Legacy
Coming from a racing background—his mother, Sophie, was a karting competitor, and father Jos raced in F1—Verstappen is familiar with the sport’s demands. Although he often felt disheartened when Jos left for races, he embraced the lessons learned during those times. Piquet experienced similar dynamics in her family, which helps them both navigate their careers alongside family life.
Lessons From Youth
From his upbringing, Verstappen highlights two critical lessons: the importance of carving out time for oneself and having a supportive partner. As an F1 driver, he knows the significance of competitive commitment. Off the track, managing personal time requires meticulous scheduling amidst a busy racing calendar. Recently, there’s been speculation about his potential early retirement, but Verstappen remains open, emphasizing he will stay as long as he can compete at his best and enjoy the journey.
Red Bull’s Performance Challenges
Verstappen, now contracted with Red Bull until 2028, faces a challenging season where the team has experienced a drop in performance. Despite his struggles in terms of car competitiveness, he maintains that his enjoyment stems from the process of driving and pushing himself. “I’m having enough fun, yes,” he confirmed, emphasizing the importance of enjoying the driving experience even amidst setbacks.
Future Aspirations
As Verstappen looks to the future, he envisions a managerial role in racing, especially in endurance competitions. In 2025, his team is entering the Aston Martin GT3 car in the GT World Challenge Europe, reflecting his ambition to nurture young talent in racing. His experiences on various tracks, including the Nürburgring Nordschleife, indicate his hands-on approach in preparing others, reinforcing his belief that learning never stops, even for a four-time champion.
Continuous Growth
Ultimately, Verstappen sees motorsport as a field of constant evolution and learning. He recognizes the need for growth, both as a driver and a mentor. “I think that’s why you never stop learning,” he concluded, highlighting the excitement of navigating the challenges that come with family and a dynamic racing career.
