Max Verstappen is currently enjoying the summer break with his family, which recently welcomed a new member. The Dutch Formula 1 world champion and his partner Kelly Piquet became parents to a daughter named Lily. Jessica Hawkins, Aston Martin’s Driver Ambassador and head of the F1 Academy, expressed her hopes that Lily Verstappen might pursue a career in motorsport, particularly in Formula 1, as she grows older.
Lily Verstappen inherits a strong racing lineage, as her father Max has claimed four world championships and continues to compete at the highest level. On her mother’s side, Kelly Piquet is the daughter of three-time Formula 1 champion Nelson Piquet, bolstering Lily’s heritage with exceptional motor racing genes. This blend of talent from both families encouraged Hawkins to discuss the potential of seeing Verstappen’s daughter in motorsport and her desire to witness greater female participation in racing.
Jessica Hawkins Encourages More Female Involvement Before Lily Races
Hawkins, one of the few high-profile female drivers, leads Aston Martin’s F1 Academy program, which supports female talent development within motorsport. Speaking about Lily Verstappen’s possible future in racing, she voiced her wish to see more female racers emerge ahead of the young Verstappen’s potential entry into the sport. Hawkins emphasized that Lily’s genetic background gives her an advantage in speed and competitiveness, traits essential for success in motorsport.
Despite this optimism, Hawkins acknowledged that it could be some time before Lily races seriously. Max Verstappen himself has made it clear that he will not pressure his daughter into racing, contrasting his own father’s approach to his career development. Hawkins remains hopeful, stating,
“I’m hoping that maybe we might see one before then, But yeah, quite possibly. I guess, yeah, good genes to have – good fast genes – and I’m hoping we’ll see one before then, maybe.”
—Jessica Hawkins, Driver Ambassador and Head of F1 Academy for Aston Martin
Max Verstappen’s Performance Dominates Despite Challenges
On the track, Max Verstappen continues to demonstrate his exceptional skill. Although Red Bull Racing has faced challenges with car performance this season, Verstappen holds third place in the driver standings, showcasing resilience amid difficulties. His pace has attracted praise from motorsport veterans, including Le Mans driver James Baldwin, who claimed Verstappen is simply faster than anyone else on the Formula 1 grid regardless of conditions.
Baldwin applauded Verstappen’s speed, noting the remarkable gap he consistently maintains against his teammates throughout various track situations. He remarked,
“He is quicker than probably everyone else on the grid. I agree. No doubt. Dry, wet, whatever situation, he probably is quicker. But the the gaps to the teammates are nuts.”
—James Baldwin, Le Mans driver
This acknowledgment strengthens Verstappen’s reputation as one of the sport’s fastest drivers, even as Red Bull struggles with technical setbacks in their 2025 campaign.
Racing Heritage and Future Prospects for Lily Verstappen
The intersection of talent from Max Verstappen and Nelson Piquet’s families sets a promising foundation for Lily Verstappen if she chooses a motorsport path. The hopes expressed by Jessica Hawkins reflect broader ambitions to increase female presence in Formula 1, signaling ongoing efforts to diversify the sport. While it remains uncertain when or if Lily will enter racing, the shared enthusiasm from established figures like Hawkins points to a growing openness toward new female competitors emerging on the grid.
Max Verstappen’s reluctance to push his daughter into racing parallels a modern, supportive approach to nurturing talent on one’s own terms. As Lily grows, the motorsport world will be watching with interest to see if she follows her father and grandfather’s path, potentially becoming a trailblazer for women in the sport.
Red Bull’s Current Challenge and What Lies Ahead
Red Bull Racing is currently experiencing a significant performance slump, with no immediate solution in sight. This has impacted Verstappen’s bid for another championship, making the remainder of the 2025 season crucial for the reigning world champion’s campaign. The presence of Lily could become symbolic of a new chapter for Verstappen, though much depends on how the remaining races unfold.
The enduring focus remains on Verstappen’s ability to overcome difficulties and maintain his standing among the elite F1 drivers. The 2025 season’s closing contests will be decisive not only for Verstappen’s legacy but possibly for the future prospects within his family’s racing story.
