Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has opened up about life as a father and why he wants to keep baby Lily away from the F1 spotlight for now.
Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet welcomed their daughter Lily Verstappen-Piquet last year, with the couple recently celebrating her first birthday. While fans have occasionally seen glimpses of their growing family through social media posts, the Red Bull star has made it clear that he wants his daughter to grow up away from the intense public attention that comes with Formula 1.
Speaking to Dutch publication De Telegraaf, Verstappen explained that becoming a father has strengthened his belief that children should be free to choose their own path in life rather than being pushed into a particular career or sport.
According to Verstappen, the most important lesson he wants to teach Lily is to always remain herself and make her own decisions about what she enjoys in the future. The Dutchman stressed that many parents place unnecessary pressure on children to follow a specific direction, especially in sport, something he believes should be avoided.
Although Verstappen acknowledged that introducing children to different sports can be positive, he insisted that the final choice should always belong to them. He explained that staying active and playing sports can help children remain healthy, disciplined, and focused, while also teaching valuable life lessons.
The reigning F1 champion also revealed that he places huge importance on family values, kindness, and appreciating loved ones while they are still around. Verstappen said he hopes Lily grows up compassionate and respectful toward the people around her rather than feeling pressured by expectations linked to his racing success.
Given Lily’s incredible racing heritage, speculation has already started over whether she could one day follow in the footsteps of her famous family members. Verstappen’s father, Jos Verstappen, competed in Formula 1, while Kelly Piquet is the daughter of three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet. Her brother, Nelson Piquet Jr., also raced in Formula 1, meaning Lily comes from one of motorsport’s most recognizable families.
Despite that remarkable background, Verstappen has no interest in forcing Formula 1 onto his daughter at an early age. In fact, he admitted that he currently does not want Lily appearing regularly inside the Formula 1 paddock.
The 27-year-old explained that privacy is one of the biggest reasons behind his decision. Verstappen believes children should enjoy a carefree upbringing away from cameras, media attention, and public scrutiny, particularly during their earliest years.
He also pointed out that Lily is still far too young to even remember the experiences of attending races, making public paddock appearances unnecessary at this stage of her life.
Verstappen emphasized that he wants Lily to eventually decide for herself whether she wants to be involved in Formula 1 or live a more private life away from motorsport entirely. Until she is old enough to make that decision independently, he intends to protect her privacy as much as possible.
The Red Bull driver additionally admitted that fatherhood has changed how he approaches life away from the racetrack. Verstappen revealed that he now prioritizes spending as much time at home as possible after race weekends because of the demanding travel schedule that comes with Formula 1 and his other racing commitments.
Rather than staying around circuits longer than necessary, Verstappen said he prefers returning home immediately after races so he can maximize time with his family.
While fans may be eager to see baby Lily in the F1 paddock alongside her world champion father, Verstappen’s comments make it clear that family privacy and giving his daughter a normal childhood remain his top priorities for now.
