Four-time Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen was notably absent from the world premiere of the new F1 movie, held recently amidst the Canadian Grand Prix weekend in Montreal. Instead of attending the event alongside many of his fellow drivers, Verstappen decided to return home to be with his newborn daughter, Lily, demonstrating his priority for family during this important personal moment.
Verstappen’s Reasoning Behind Missing the Premiere
Following his second-place finish at the Canadian Grand Prix, Verstappen spoke candidly with the media about his decision to skip the premiere. He confirmed,
“I’m going home to my daughter.”
When asked if he planned to watch the film later, he responded,
“Maybe yes. If it suits me or if someone else wants to see it, then I’m fine with it. And maybe I will be positively surprised.”
He expressed hope for the movie’s success and its positive impact on Formula 1, adding,
“You just shouldn’t force me to go somewhere, because that’s not quite how it should be.”
This stance reflects Verstappen’s desire to balance professional obligations with his personal life.
The Importance of Family Following Newborn Arrival
Verstappen and his partner, Kelly Piquet, welcomed their first child together in early May. The driver also missed a private screening of the film arranged for drivers before the Monaco Grand Prix, choosing instead to focus on family. Speaking about fatherhood and its effect on his performance, Verstappen stated,
“Clearly, it didn’t make me slower being a dad, so that’s a positive. So we can throw that out of the window as well, for people mentioning it.”
He dismissed any doubts about his capabilities after becoming a father, asserting,
“I don’t really listen to these kind of silly things, I just do my thing. I think there are enough racing drivers in the past who have been world champions even after having kids. Honestly, I don’t know where this has even come from.”
Staying Connected While Prioritizing Home
Verstappen highlighted the importance of spending several days at home after the birth to ensure his family’s well-being.
“It’s been good to be able to spend a few days at home before coming here. When she’s just been born, you want to make sure everything is OK.”
He also emphasized the constant communication with his partner, saying,
“I am in contact a lot with my girlfriend anyway throughout the day, getting pictures and on FaceTime a bit. It’s always there, but now one more member in the family.”
Impact and Future Outlook
Max Verstappen’s choice to prioritize his newborn daughter over a high-profile F1 event showcases his commitment to balancing family life with his demanding career at Red Bull Racing. This decision may resonate with fans and fellow drivers alike, as it highlights the human side of top athletes. As Verstappen continues to compete at the highest level, this new chapter in his personal life may bring further motivation and resilience on and off the track.
