Max Verstappen, the Dutch Formula 1 driver, recently experienced one of the most profound moments of his life: meeting his newborn daughter Lily for the first time. Balancing the intense demands of the 2025 F1 season with new fatherhood, Verstappen shared his emotional reaction to seeing his baby, describing the moment as truly special and unforgettable. This experience highlights a deeply personal side of the four-time world champion amid his high-profile racing career.
Balancing Fatherhood and Racing During a Demanding Season
The birth of Lily, Verstappen’s daughter with Kelly Piquet, was publicly announced by the Dutchman through a touching social media post, just as he was preparing to return to the track mid-season. Despite facing doubts about his ability to juggle family life alongside his racing commitments, Verstappen showed admirable focus and dedication to both roles. He spent the summer break cherishing time with his wife and daughter before resuming his pursuit at the pinnacle of motorsport.
The driver vividly recalls the first time he held Lily, emphasizing how powerful and moving that experience was for him on a personal level.
“Seeing your child for the first time, like your little baby, that’s something very special. For me, that moment rocked (rokt).. It’s super nice to see that…”
—Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing video chat
This moment, Verstappen stated, is unlike any other, marking a significant milestone that went beyond his achievements in racing. His comments also reflect the importance he places on family happiness over professional success.
“Seeing your family happy, having a good time, living a good life. for me that’s way more important than whatever we achieve in motorsport.”
—Max Verstappen
Looking Back: Verstappen’s Desire to Relive His Record-Breaking 2023 Season
While 2025 has proven to be a difficult year on the track for Verstappen, he fondly remembers the dominance he displayed during the 2023 season. That year, he won 19 out of 23 races and secured his third world title, setting multiple records in the process. Reflecting on those highlights, Verstappen admitted he did not fully appreciate the success at the time, but now wishes he could live through those moments again and savor them more deeply.
“I’d like to relive—probably some moments from 2023. You’re not fully embracing or enjoying the moment, and I think you only realize once you stop winning so much. If I had the chance, I would probably go back a little bit.”
—Max Verstappen
This honest reflection reveals Verstappen’s evolution in perspective, valuing the fleeting nature of peak achievement and the significance of presence in those times.
Current Challenges and a Forward-Looking Mindset
The 2025 Formula 1 season has been one of the toughest for Verstappen, who has managed just two race wins so far, including the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix. With nine races remaining, he acknowledges the need to move beyond this difficult stretch and focus on coming back stronger. His determination to improve next season remains unwavering as he juggles the pressures of racing with his role as a new father.
The intense commitment he shows on and off the track continues to define Verstappen’s vibrant and optimistic spirit, fueling hope for a more successful future both professionally and personally.
