Max Verstappen on Fatherhood: "A Truly Different Journey"

Max Verstappen expresses excitement for fatherhood, describing it as an entirely new and unique challenge he’s eager to embrace.

Max Verstappen shared his excitement about becoming a father next year after he and his partner, Kelly Piquet, announced they are expecting their first child together.

The four-time world champion revealed the news at the end of the F1 season, ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

This will be the first child for Verstappen and Piquet together, though Piquet already has a five-year-old daughter, Penelope, from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.

Verstappen has built a strong bond with Penelope over the past four years, which he says has somewhat prepared him for having his own child.

“Yes, it’s super exciting, of course,” Verstappen shared on the Talking Bulls podcast. “Luckily, I’ve had some practice with Penelope.”

“Seeing her grow up over four years has been very, very enjoyable as well.”

“But yes, having a child of your own will definitely be a different challenge, and I’m looking forward to it.”

During the podcast, the host joked that Verstappen might already have a deal in place with Red Bull team boss Christian Horner for his first child.

However, Verstappen revealed he does not want his son or daughter to pursue a career in racing and would prefer them to find a path elsewhere.

“I need to talk to Christian because I don’t want him or her to get into racing.”

“Maybe a different role within the team. Maybe designing future cars or something else. I mean, yeah, you never know, right?”