Jonas LeoA rare and candid interview with three-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen has offered fans and the wider sporting world an intimate glimpse into his life beyond the high-speed circuits, revealing his evolving perspective as a father. The conversation, filmed for Red Bull and TAG Heuer, saw Verstappen engaging in an open dialogue with stuntman Riley Harper during the United States Grand Prix weekend in Austin, Texas. The discussion, conducted as the pair navigated the streets of the Texan capital, transcended the usual motorsport discourse, delving into the shared experiences of racing and the profound journey of fatherhood.
Verstappen, widely recognized for his relentless pursuit of victory and unyielding focus on the track, disclosed how his burgeoning family life has begun to subtly influence his pre-race routines. "Today’s a bit longer then, but I prefer that now. Also with the little one at home. She’s like five and a half months," Verstappen stated, explaining his decision to arrive in Austin a day later than his usual schedule. This adjustment allowed him an additional day at home, a choice he now prioritizes. "So it’s just nice to spend a bit more time. So knowing that now for two weeks, I’m not there." This comment underscores the inherent conflict between the demanding, travel-intensive Formula 1 calendar and the desire for sustained family presence, a challenge many professional athletes confront.
The interview, which quickly established a common ground between Verstappen and Harper as "girl dads," saw the Red Bull Racing driver express profound enjoyment in his new role. "Yeah, it’s been really good so far. I’ve been really, really enjoying it," he affirmed, a sentiment that offers a personal contrast to his often intense public persona. Verstappen has been in a relationship with Kelly Piquet since 2020. The couple welcomed their first child together, Lily, in May 2023. Additionally, Verstappen embraces the role of "bonus dad" to Piquet’s six-year-old daughter, Penelope, from a previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat, highlighting a blended family dynamic within the close-knit F1 community.
Delving further into the transformative impact of fatherhood, Verstappen elaborated on the experience of stepping into a pre-existing family structure before Lily’s arrival. "My girlfriend already had a girl," the Dutchman remarked when asked about the biggest change for him. "So she’s six years old now, so we’ve been together for over five years, so I’ve known her since she was one. So for me it was almost, not a shock, you know? Only now it’s just dealing with that first year." This insight reveals a gradual assimilation into paternal responsibilities, which then intensified with the birth of his biological daughter. The emotional shift is particularly evident in his reflections on departures and returns: "Closing the door now, and then leaving, is a bit different. And coming back home [is the best part]." Such statements illuminate the emotional tether that now binds him to home, a new layer to the mental landscape of a top-tier athlete.
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The conversation also touched upon the rapid developmental milestones of his youngest daughter. Verstappen shared observations that resonate with many new parents, noting that Lily has begun "laughing, reacting and grabbing stuff." He added, with a hint of paternal pride, "She’s almost sitting as well." These details paint a picture of a devoted father fully engaged in the small, yet significant, moments of early childhood.
Max Verstappen’s journey to fatherhood coincides with an era of unprecedented dominance in his professional career. Having secured his third consecutive Formula 1 World Championship title at the Qatar Grand Prix in October 2023, just weeks before the US Grand Prix interview, Verstappen has cemented his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats. His 2023 season was a record-breaking spectacle, characterized by a staggering number of race wins and a commanding lead in the drivers’ standings, showcasing a synergy between driver and machine that has rarely been witnessed.
Verstappen made his Formula 1 debut in 2015 at the remarkably young age of 17, quickly establishing himself as a prodigious talent. His first victory came at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix, making him the youngest-ever Grand Prix winner. Since then, his career trajectory has been upward, culminating in his championship triumphs in 2021, 2022, and 2023 with Red Bull Racing. The partnership with Red Bull, powered by Honda RBPT, has yielded not only individual success for Verstappen but also multiple Constructors’ Championships for the team, under the leadership of Team Principal Christian Horner. The team’s meticulously engineered RB19 chassis in 2023, combined with Verstappen’s aggressive yet precise driving style, created a formidable force that proved almost unassailable throughout the season.
The United States Grand Prix, where this interview was filmed, is a significant event on the F1 calendar, typically held at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in late October. Verstappen has a strong track record at COTA, including victories in 2021 and 2022, further solidifying his command over various circuit layouts. His performance at such high-stakes events requires immense concentration and mental fortitude, aspects that one might assume would be challenged by new personal responsibilities. However, Verstappen’s comments suggest that rather than a distraction, fatherhood provides a grounding and perhaps even a renewed sense of purpose.
The F1 calendar is notoriously demanding, comprising over 20 races across diverse global locations, interspersed with extensive testing, media commitments, and travel. This relentless schedule places unique pressures on drivers, requiring them to spend significant periods away from home. For drivers who are also parents, like Verstappen, Sergio Perez (his Red Bull teammate), and others who have retired from the sport such as Kimi Räikkönen and Sebastian Vettel, balancing these professional obligations with family life becomes a central theme. The personal sacrifices are substantial, yet the emotional rewards of family appear to offer a crucial counterpoint to the intense competitive environment.
Kelly Piquet, a prominent model and blogger, is herself deeply rooted in Formula 1 heritage as the daughter of three-time F1 World Champion Nelson Piquet. This familial connection provides a unique understanding of the pressures and lifestyle inherent to the sport, likely contributing to a supportive home environment for Verstappen. Her daughter, Penelope, a familiar face in the F1 paddock and frequently seen in social media content with Verstappen, further illustrates the integrated nature of their family life.
As Max Verstappen continues to dominate the pinnacle of motorsport, these insights into his personal world offer a compelling narrative beyond the lap times and championship points. His willingness to share the joys and adjustments of fatherhood provides a humanizing perspective on a driver often perceived solely through the lens of his fierce competitiveness. It suggests that even for an athlete at the absolute peak of his profession, the journey of parenthood introduces a profound shift in priorities and a deeper appreciation for the moments away from the roar of the engine and the glare of the global spotlight. With upcoming fixtures on the horizon, Verstappen’s continued pursuit of excellence on track will undoubtedly be underpinned by the quiet strength and contentment he finds in his growing family off it.
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Author Profile
- Jonas Leo is a passionate motorsport journalist and lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast. With a sharp eye for race strategy and driver performance, he brings readers closer to the world of Grand Prix racing through in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive paddock insights. Jonas has covered everything from preseason testing to dramatic title deciders, capturing the emotion and precision that define modern F1. When he’s not tracking lap times or pit stop tactics, he enjoys exploring classic racing archives and writing about the evolution of F1 technology.
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