Lily Watches Max Verstappen Race Live for the First Time in Monaco

Max Verstappen has won twice in Monaco, but the 2026 edition looks far more difficult for the reigning champion. A silver lining: his daughter Lily will watch him race live for the first time from the family's apartment balcony overlooking the circuit.

Why it matters:

• It's a personal milestone for Verstappen, who typically keeps his family life private. But on track, the Red Bull driver faces a steep uphill battle for victory in Monte Carlo.
• With overtaking nearly impossible around the tight streets, Saturday's qualifying session is critical — and Verstappen's RB22 simply isn't quick enough yet.

The details:

• Verstappen described Monaco as "just an event where there are 25 points to be won," downplaying the glamour around him as Red Bull's floating Power Station party boat thumped with music.
• Car performance: The RB22 has improved but remains behind Mercedes, McLaren, and Ferrari. The Dutchman sees Ferrari as the clear favorite for the weekend.
• Qualifying focus: "Everything has to fall into place" in Q3, Verstappen said. He admitted fine-tuning still ongoing: "We always have things to solve."
• The apartment view: When asked about Lily watching from the balcony, Verstappen joked: "Hopefully I won't just park it in the wall there. The only upside: then I'll be home in no time!"

What's next:

• All eyes are on Saturday's qualifying session. Verstappen needs a perfect lap to compensate for the car's deficit, and any small mistake could end hopes of a third Monaco win.
• If he can't qualify near the front, the race will likely be a damage-limitation exercise rather than a celebration — despite the special backdrop of his daughter's first live viewing.