Here’s why Max Verstappen says he won’t let his daughter go to F1, sharing his honest reason
Max Verstappen recently shared why he doesn’t let his daughter come to Formula One races, opening up about being a dad. Verstappen, who’s with Kelly Piquet, became a father to their daughter Lily in 2025. He’s also a stepdad to Kelly’s daughter Penelope from before, and he’s carefully keeping Lily away from the spotlight.
Verstappen knows what it’s like to grow up in the public eye, since his dad Jos was also an F1 driver. Max started racing young too, following in his dad’s path—and even became a four-time world champion. He says he won’t push Lily toward any particular sport but sees the value in kids being active.
He told De Telegraaf, “The most important thing for me is to always be yourself. She should be free to choose what she likes later on. Some parents push their kids in certain directions, especially with sports, but you really shouldn’t do that. You can introduce them to sports, but they need to decide what they want.”
He added, “Doing sports is great for staying healthy and keeps kids from getting into trouble. Also, being kind to family is important, and we should remember that our time with loved ones isn’t forever.”
Kelly, who’s the daughter of F1 legend Nelson Piquet, often supports Max at races worldwide and was at the Miami Grand Prix this month. But Max has no plans to bring Lily into the paddock, wanting to protect her privacy and keep her childhood carefree.
He explained, “I’m careful about posting her on social media. I don’t want her in pictures right now. She can decide later if she wants that. I don’t want her in the paddock because, first, she won’t remember it, and second, for privacy. A young child should have a carefree life.”
Max has had a tough start to the 2026 F1 season and has even thought about retiring because he’s not enjoying the new rules. The 28-year-old, who also raced in the 24 Hours of Nürburgring, said it’s “mentally not doable” to keep going with the current engines. He’s really hoping for upcoming changes that will reduce energy management rules and make F1 feel “almost back to normal.”
At the Canadian Grand Prix, Verstappen finally got his first podium of the season, finishing third behind Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton. After finishing second to Lando Norris last season, Max is currently seventh in the standings with 53 points as the Monaco Grand Prix approaches.