Lewis Hamilton Shares Details of Private Conversation with Max Verstappen as George Russell Dismisses Performance Concerns Over Fatherhood
Lewis Hamilton has revealed he shared a personal conversation with his former on-track rival Max Verstappen regarding the upcoming birth of Verstappen’s first child. The Red Bull star, who is preparing to become a father, was notably absent from his media duties ahead of the Miami Grand Prix. The 26-year-old Dutchman is expecting a child with long-time partner Kelly Piquet, with the birth expected imminently.
In a statement issued by Red Bull Racing on Thursday, the team confirmed that Verstappen would not be participating in Thursday’s scheduled media events in Miami. The announcement explained: “Max will not be attending media day in Miami as he is expecting a baby. All is well, and he will attend [the] track tomorrow for the race weekend. We will not be offering any further comment at this time in respect towards the privacy of Max and his family.”
Though Red Bull offered no further details, the upcoming birth has been public knowledge since December 2024, when Piquet shared subtle hints on social media about her pregnancy. The couple has kept the matter relatively private, but fans and media have been anticipating the child’s arrival during the early part of the 2025 season. As the due date draws near, Verstappen’s priorities briefly shifted to his growing family.
Hamilton, who has had a competitive and sometimes tense history with Verstappen on track, revealed that the two briefly spoke about the matter during the previous race weekend in Saudi Arabia. Despite their past rivalry, Hamilton expressed genuine happiness for the reigning world champion.
“I spoke to him briefly in Saudi and saw how excited he was,” Hamilton said during Thursday’s media activities in Miami. “Big congratulations to him. I just wish him all the best. It’s an amazing, such a special thing.”
Verstappen’s pending fatherhood marks a notable personal milestone. Once the baby arrives, he will become only the second current Formula 1 driver on the grid with children, joining Nico Hulkenberg of Sauber in that regard. While some might speculate about how such a major life change could affect Verstappen’s intense focus and performance in a high-pressure sport, his fellow competitors seem unfazed by the prospect.
Mercedes driver George Russell addressed the common belief that parenthood could diminish a driver’s competitive edge. When asked whether he believed fatherhood might slow Verstappen down, Russell firmly rejected the idea.
“You’ve seen drivers in the past win championships and races while having children, so I don’t see that changing anything on his professional level,” Russell said. “Max is one of the most focused and dedicated drivers on the grid. Becoming a father is a big moment in anyone’s life, but I don’t expect it to make any difference when it comes to what he does on the track.”
Historically, several elite Formula 1 drivers have managed to balance the demands of family life with their careers. Michael Schumacher, Kimi Räikkönen, and Sebastian Vettel were all fathers during their time at the pinnacle of the sport, and their performances remained world-class.
As Verstappen prepares to step into this new chapter, his focus remains firmly on both the racetrack and his growing family. The Miami Grand Prix marks another critical stop in the 2025 F1 calendar, and while the weekend may have begun with him off track for personal reasons, he is expected to return to the paddock and resume duties as normal for the remaining sessions.
Fans and fellow drivers alike have shown respect for Verstappen’s privacy during this time, with many offering congratulations while steering clear of any intrusive speculation. For Hamilton, the occasion served as a reminder of the human side of life in Formula 1—a sport often dominated by fierce rivalries and relentless competition.
Despite their well-documented clashes in the past—most notably during their heated 2021 title battle—Hamilton’s words this week reflected warmth and maturity. It highlighted the evolution of their relationship from rivals to respectful peers, each recognizing the milestones the other faces off the track.
Verstappen’s expected return to full racing action in Miami will be closely watched, not only for his performance but also for how he balances this exciting new phase of life. With his dominance on track showing no signs of waning, fans are eager to see how the world champion continues to thrive both as a racer and as a new father.
As the race weekend unfolds, one thing is clear: Verstappen’s transition into fatherhood has brought a wave of support from across the paddock, and it may even help humanize one of the most competitive drivers the sport has ever seen.
