Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has spoken candidly about the emotional toll of being away from his young daughter during race weekends.
Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet welcomed their daughter, Lily Verstappen-Piquet, into the world back in May 2025, making the Dutch driver a first-time father.
Lily was born into one of motorsport’s most decorated families, with her father already a four-time world champion at a remarkably young age.
Her maternal grandfather is three-time F1 world champion Nelson Piquet, meaning Lily carries some extraordinary racing heritage on both sides of her family.
Her grandmother Sophie Kumpen was also a highly regarded racing driver in her own right, adding yet another layer to an already remarkable family racing pedigree.
Uncle Nelson Piquet Jr also competed in Formula 1 during 2008 and 2009, where he served as team-mate to Fernando Alonso, further cementing the family’s deep ties to the sport.
Despite this rich racing bloodline, Verstappen has previously stated he does not want Lily to pursue a career in Formula 1, with the Dutchman growing increasingly critical of the sport’s demanding lifestyle.
Speaking to PlaySports, Verstappen revealed how FaceTime and video messages help bridge the gap while he is away competing at grands prix around the world.
“Sometimes I get sent videos. Right now I have my own room where I have my trophies and my helmets and my simulator. She [Lily] already knows that’s my room,” Verstappen said.
He revealed that Lily, who can now both walk and talk, searches for him in his personal room whenever she gets the chance during his absences from home.
“She can walk now and every time she opens that door she says ‘Papa? Papa?’, but yeah he’s not here,” Verstappen explained.
The video messages showing his daughter calling out for him clearly have a powerful emotional impact on the Red Bull driver during race weekends away from his family.
“I get sent that video and I’m like ‘s***’. It’s not as nice so you try to get home as quickly as possible,” Verstappen admitted.
The comments paint a picture of a world champion who, despite his extraordinary success on track, increasingly values time at home with his growing family above all else.