Max Verstappen’s Blunt View on Daughter Lily’s F1 Prospects Sends Shockwaves Through Motorsport
Max Verstappen has built a reputation as one of Formula 1’s most uncompromising figures, both on and off the track. But in a revealing moment late this season, the four-time world champion delivered one of his most striking statements yet—this time not about racing, but about fatherhood and the future of his newborn daughter.
Earlier this year, Verstappen and his partner, Kelly Piquet, welcomed their first child, Lily Verstappen-Piquet. Since becoming a father, many within the paddock have noticed a subtle but undeniable change in the Dutchman’s demeanor. The fierce competitor who once thrived on confrontation and intensity now appears calmer, more introspective, and increasingly detached from Formula 1’s constant noise.
That shift in perspective became unmistakably clear during an end-of-season interview with Viaplay. When Verstappen was asked whether he could imagine Lily one day becoming the first female Formula 1 world champion, his response was immediate and unfiltered.
“I hope not,” he said firmly. “Please no. No, no, no—I really hope not.”
The comment reverberated across the F1 community, surprising fans and insiders alike. It was not a rejection rooted in skepticism about his daughter’s potential or ability, but rather a deeply personal response shaped by Verstappen’s own experiences within the sport.
Having been thrust into the global spotlight as a teenager, Verstappen has lived nearly his entire life under relentless scrutiny. From constant media attention to political maneuvering behind the scenes, Formula 1 has evolved into an environment he increasingly views as exhausting and invasive. It is precisely that environment he does not want his daughter to face.
While Verstappen has consistently expressed his enduring love for racing itself—the act of driving, competing, and winning—his patience with the ecosystem surrounding the sport appears to be fading. Over the past two seasons, tension between Verstappen and Formula 1’s governing and commercial structures has become increasingly visible.
That strain came to a head in 2024 when Verstappen refused to participate in official FIA press conferences following a controversial punishment for using profanity during one such session. The penalty, which involved a form of community service, was widely criticized and viewed by Verstappen as emblematic of what he believes is the sport’s growing detachment from common sense.
His resistance has extended beyond press obligations. Earlier this year, Verstappen notably skipped the premiere of the official Formula 1 film ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, despite expectations that all drivers would attend. The absence fueled speculation that even as the sport’s most dominant figure, Verstappen is increasingly unwilling to play along with Formula 1’s expanding commercial spectacle.
In the same interview, Verstappen delivered another revelation—this time regarding his own career longevity. Despite being just 28 years old and firmly in his prime, he openly questioned whether he would remain in Formula 1 for much longer.
“I don’t see myself racing in Formula 1 until I’m 44,” Verstappen admitted. “With 24 races a season, even staying until 34 already feels like too much.”
The statement landed heavily in a sport where drivers are increasingly competing well into their late thirties and beyond. Coming from a multiple world champion at the peak of his powers, the comments suggest a potential early departure that few would have anticipated.
Should Verstappen follow through on that outlook, Formula 1 could lose its most dominant force within the next five years—at a time when the sport is experiencing unprecedented global growth.
Fatherhood appears to be the driving force behind this shift in priorities. With Lily now at the center of his life, Verstappen has made it clear that family, privacy, and personal freedom outweigh the pursuit of endless records and accolades. His emphatic rejection of the idea of his daughter entering Formula 1 underscores a deeply protective instinct and serves as a sobering reflection on the personal cost of success at the highest level.
For now, Verstappen remains fully committed on track, continuing to perform at an elite level and chase victories. Yet his recent words paint the picture of a champion already looking beyond the confines of the paddock—toward a future where racing no longer dominates every aspect of his life.
In the end, Verstappen’s most powerful message did not come through lap times or trophies, but through a simple, heartfelt plea that echoed across the sport: “Please no.”
