Max Verstappen Opens Up on Fatherhood: 'Difficult Times Await'

Life has changed considerably for Max Verstappen since becoming a father a year ago, ahead of the 2025 Miami Grand Prix. The four-time world champion now travels to races as late as possible to maximize time at home with his daughter, Lily, and partner Kelly Piquet. But Verstappen admits he is already bracing for tougher goodbyes as his daughter gets older.

Why it matters:

Fatherhood offers a rare glimpse into the human side of a driver often seen as unshakeable. Verstappen’s willingness to adjust his routine—and his candidness about future struggles—shows how personal life can reshape even the most dominant F1 careers.

The details:

• Travel changes: Verstappen now leaves for race weekends later than before. For the Canadian Grand Prix, he flew out on Wednesday instead of Monday or Tuesday.
• Lessons learned: “Always be yourself,” Verstappen told De Telegraaf. He stressed letting children choose their own path, especially in sports, and the importance of kindness and compassion.
• Memories of his father: Verstappen recalled how he used to cry when his father, Jos, left for races. “Sometimes he left secretly, literally through the back door,” Verstappen said. He knows similar scenes await him with Lily.

What's next:

As Lily grows, the emotional toll of being away will intensify. Verstappen acknowledged he expects it to become harder, but his approach to fatherhood—letting his daughter decide her own future—remains firm. For now, small changes in travel habits are helping him balance two demanding roles.