Max Verstappen‘s life is about to change in a big way. The three-time F1 champion is expecting his first child in early 2025, right around when the new racing season kicks off.
The baby will have quite the racing pedigree – with seven F1 world titles in the family through Kelly Piquet’s father, Nelson Piquet. But Verstappen isn’t necessarily dreaming of another racing champion.
"I’d actually prefer if they worked as a mechanic or engineer," he says with a smile.
There’s an old saying in racing that drivers slow down after becoming fathers. The theory goes that new dads take fewer risks on the track, playing it safer with a little one at home.
But Verstappen isn’t buying it.
"To be honest, I hope not a lot will change. In terms of driving, it shouldn’t," the Dutch champion explained during Red Bull’s recent brand shoot.
He’s already gotten a taste of family life. Verstappen shares a home with Kelly Piquet and her daughter Penelope, plus their growing menagerie of three cats and a dog. Now they’re eagerly waiting for their newest addition.
"It’s for sure very exciting," Verstappen says, searching for the right words. "It’s very difficult to put that into words until the baby is born. But I’m really looking forward to the whole experience throughout the year."
The timing couldn’t be more interesting – as Verstappen chases what could be his fourth straight F1 title, he’ll also be navigating the challenges of new fatherhood.
