Max Verstappen welcomes his first child, with Red Bull’s Christian Horner confident the F1 star will thrive in his new fatherly role.
Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner believes Max Verstappen won’t change much as a person now that he’s a father—but says the Dutch star is entering a whole new chapter.
The four-time World Champion welcomed his first child with partner Kelly Piquet on Friday, just before the Miami Grand Prix weekend kicked off. Verstappen, 27, arrived late in Florida after skipping Thursday’s media day to be present for the birth of his daughter, Lily.
Speaking about the news, Horner highlighted the remarkable family lineage Lily inherits—being the daughter of Max Verstappen and granddaughter of triple World Champion Nelson Piquet.
“I’m sure Max will be a very present dad. That means being involved—changing diapers, waking up in the middle of the night. It’s a beautiful thing, bringing a new life into the world. And life will absolutely feel different for him now,” said Horner.
“When you think about her genes—Verstappen and Piquet—it’s pretty incredible. If she were a racehorse, she’d be worth a fortune,” he joked. “But seriously, it’ll be a new dimension in his life.”
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff added his perspective: “We’re all different, and I believe kids are born with a certain DNA. Nature plays a huge role, along with how they’re raised. But Max has already shown how caring he is with his stepdaughter. I’ve no doubt he’ll be a fantastic father.”
As for whether fatherhood will change Verstappen’s demeanor, Horner doesn’t think so.
“Not really. Max is grounded and thoughtful. As Toto mentioned, he already has a stepdaughter. He values family life, and I think everything will stay steady for him. He’s obviously proud, and this is a moment of real joy for both him and Kelly.”
Could Formula 1 see another Monegasque driver in the future—perhaps even a woman—if Lily Verstappen takes that nationality?
“Absolutely,” Horner smiled. “Why not a girl? With her pedigree, there’s no doubt she’ll attract attention in motorsport. Teams will be lining up with contracts before she even gets in a kart.”
Wolff agreed: “I see both sides. I have an eight-year-old son racing karts, and Max knows not to get caught up in emotional highs and lows—he’s said so himself. But yes, we need more women in Formula 1. With Susie and the F1 Academy, progress is happening. And a girl named Piquet-Verstappen? That’s a marketing dream, either way you write it.”
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Horner Backs Max as Devoted Dad to F1 Legacy Daughter
Horner Backs Max as Devoted Dad to F1 Legacy Daughter