Having become a father a year ago, Max Verstappen is discovering a new reality away from the circuits and is already anticipating the difficult separations with his daughter.
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Max Verstappen is no longer just a four-time Formula 1 world champion. Since the birth of his daughter Lily in 2025, the Red Bull driver must also deal with a role that has profoundly transformed his daily life: that of a father.
One year after this major event in his personal life, the Dutchman agreed to reflect on this experience and the challenges it entails, especially when he has to leave his family to join the world championship circuits.
A new organization to spend more time at home
Since the birth of his daughter, Verstappen has changed some habits related to his professional activity. The 28-year-old driver now seeks to maximize every moment spent with his partner, Kelly Piquet, and their child.
This desire is reflected in particular by later departures for the Grand Prix weekends. For example, during the Canadian weekend, Verstappen only arrived in Montreal on Wednesday, a day later than usual.
A way for him to enjoy his family life more in an increasingly busy Formula 1 calendar.
The values he wants to pass on
Asked what this first year of fatherhood has taught him, Verstappen explained that he primarily wants to let his daughter build her own path.
“For me, the most important thing is to always stay yourself” he explained.
The Red Bull driver notably rejects the idea of pushing his child towards a sports career or a specific field.
“She will completely decide on her own what she wants to do later. Many parents want to steer their children in a certain direction, especially in sports. I don’t think that’s a good thing.”
Verstappen believes it is natural to introduce different activities to a child, but considers that the final choice must belong to her.
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“You can introduce them to certain sports, but in the end they have to decide for themselves what they like.”
The Dutchman also emphasizes more essential values such as respect, kindness, and the importance of family.
“I think it’s important to be kind to your family and to remember that the people around us won’t always be there. You have to know how to show compassion towards others.”
Memories of Jos Verstappen resurface
Although his daughter is still very young today, Verstappen already knows that separations will become more difficult with time.
The world champion perfectly remembers what he felt when he was a child himself and his father, Jos Verstappen, left the house to go to the Formula 1 circuits.
“I’m sure it will become more difficult” he admits.
The Red Bull driver even recounts that his father sometimes had to leave quietly to avoid an emotional scene.
“I remember when my father left for races. I hated it. Sometimes, he even left the house through the back door. When I realized it, I cried.”
One more challenge in the champion’s career
These memories now allow Verstappen to better understand what his father felt at the time.
“Of course, it must have been very difficult for him too” he emphasizes.
While he continues to aim for new successes in Formula 1 while developing his endurance projects, Verstappen is now discovering another facet of his life. An adventure that, in his own words, brings him as much happiness as new challenges to face away from the circuits.
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