Verstappen says becoming a father will not affect his F1 career

Max Verstappen has revealed he doesn’t believe becoming a father will have any impact on his Formula 1 career amid suggestions it could nudge him into a break.

Verstappen and his long-time partner Kelly Piquet announced on Friday they are expecting their first child together, with the pair already raising Piquet’s first child from a previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.

The four-time world champion previously stated he isn’t interested in staying in F1 for a very long time, with his current Red Bull contract that expires after the 2028 season mooted as a likely endpoint.

But when asked on Saturday in Abu Dhabi about the topic, the Dutchman doesn’t believe becoming a father will change anything to his career approach.

“Honestly I have done it already, so it is not like it is completely new for me,” he said. “Now it is my DNA, let’s say it like that, but I think it is absolutely fine and I know the baby will be in good hands anyway. So for me, you focus on your racing and then go back to your family.”

When asked if he ever considered taking a year out, he replied: “No, I never considered taking a year out. It is not on my mind.”

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 2nd position and 2023 drivers world champion, with Kelly Piquet in Parc Ferme after the Sprint race

Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

After being raised by father Jos to become a quadruple F1 world champion, Verstappen jested that he hopes his child won’t follow in his footsteps to become a third-generation Verstappen in motorsport, but would support them if they did.

“Well, if he or she wants to do it and I see that there is talent I would support it, of course, naturally,” he said, before jokingly adding: “But I really hope not! No pressure, just live your life.”

Verstappen also drew a line under his row with Mercedes driver George Russell, which burst to the surface this week after a vociferous disagreement in the stewards’ office in Qatar last weekend.

“I haven’t really talked to [George], but I honestly don’t really want to talk about it anymore,” Verstappen said.

“It is not really necessary anymore as everything has been said. I am just looking forward to a break.”