Max Verstappen on Fatherhood: 'Racing is Fun, but Being Home is Great'

Max Verstappen has revealed how fatherhood has reshaped his perspective on life and racing. The four-time world champion, whose daughter Lily was born a year ago with partner Kelly Piquet, told People that being a dad is a "really nice" experience that now influences his approach to work and leisure.

Why it matters:

Verstappen's comments offer a rare glimpse into the personal side of a driver known for his intense focus. How he balances family with the demands of a grueling F1 season could affect his long-term motivation and performance.

The details:

• Verstappen says he always wanted to be a father and is loving every moment. "For me, it's just really nice to be able to spend time now together," he said.
• He noted that racing is fun, but "it's also a nice thing to be home." Lily "seems to like me a lot, so that's good."
• The Dutchman admitted that fatherhood has changed his work-life balance: "After a race weekend you try to head home and prioritize that probably a little bit more than you used to."
• Before his upcoming 24-hour Nürburgring appearance with his GT3 team, Verstappen was seen enjoying a beach holiday in St. Barths with Kelly Piquet, further emphasizing his focus on family time.

What's next:

Verstappen will return to F1 action as the 2026 season progresses, now with a new perspective. While his commitment to racing remains strong, his comments suggest a more balanced approach that could help him sustain his championship dominance without burnout.