In a world where celebrity children are often thrust into the public eye from birth, Max Verstappen is taking a different approach with his newborn daughter, Lily. The four-time world champion recently made it clear that he has no immediate plans to bring her to an F1 race, stating a desire for her to have a “bit of peace.” This decision, revealed at the Hungaroring, offers a glimpse into Verstappen’s priorities as a new father and his desire to shield his family from the intense spotlight of the Formula 1 paddock.
Verstappen became a father for the first time earlier this year with his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet. While this is his first biological child, he has been a father figure to Piquet’s daughter, Penelope, for many years. Fans are well-acquainted with Penelope, who has been a frequent and beloved presence in the F1 paddock, often seen in endearing photos with Verstappen. However, the same cannot be said for Lily. The Verstappen-Piquet family has yet to share any photos of their new baby, a clear indication of their commitment to her privacy.
During a media day in Hungary, Verstappen was directly asked about the possibility of bringing Lily to a race. His response was both thoughtful and protective. “My daughter? I don’t know,” Verstappen told reporters. “I’m not really in a rush about that. I just want her to also have a bit of peace. It’s not necessarily that I want her to be around here.” These comments underscore a deliberate choice to keep his daughter’s early life as normal and private as possible. The F1 paddock, with its constant cameras, media scrutiny, and high-octane energy, is a world away from the quiet peace that a newborn needs.
This protective stance is consistent with Verstappen’s actions throughout the year. Even during the Monaco Grand Prix, which is considered a home race for the family, Lily was not present at the circuit. Instead, the then-new father was able to spend quality time with his daughter at home, away from the hustle and bustle. It’s a choice that speaks volumes about his values, placing family time above public appearances.
Verstappen’s commitment to his family extends beyond just his daughter’s privacy. Earlier this season, he made a notable decision to skip the official premiere of the Formula 1 film in New York. While this would have been a high-profile event for any driver, Verstappen chose to prioritize spending time with his family instead. This action, coupled with his recent comments about Lily, paints a picture of a man who, despite his immense success and public profile, is grounded and focused on what truly matters to him off the track.
The world of Formula 1 is a bubble of constant attention, and Verstappen’s decision to shield his daughter from it is a powerful statement. While fans are eager to see the newest member of the F1 family, Verstappen is prioritizing a calm and private start for his child. This approach is a refreshing reminder that even global superstars seek to protect their loved ones and provide them with a sense of normalcy. As Verstappen continues his dominance on the track, it’s clear that his biggest victory right now is ensuring his daughter, Lily, has the peaceful and private childhood he so desires for her.
