While the red carpet was rolled out in New York City for the world premiere of F1: The Movie, one notable name from the grid was missing: reigning Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen. And no, his absence wasn’t a publicity snub or a packed schedule—it was something far more personal and meaningful.
Fresh off a hard-fought second-place finish at the Canadian Grand Prix, Verstappen didn’t hop on a jet to NYC like many of his fellow drivers. Instead, the Dutch racing star chose to fly straight home to be with his newborn daughter, Lily, who he welcomed in early May with his partner Kelly Piquet.
“I’m going home to my daughter,” Verstappen said plainly when asked about skipping the event. While many might have expected the face of Formula 1 to show up in support of the high-budget film that’s spotlighting the sport, Verstappen’s focus is clearly—and admirably—on family.
In fact, he also missed a private screening of the film held for the drivers ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, once again choosing to prioritize his newborn.
When pressed about whether he’ll eventually watch F1: The Movie, Verstappen responded with casual honesty:
“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.”
Yet what stood out even more was his reflection on the pressure to participate in promotional obligations:
“You just shouldn’t force me to go somewhere, because that’s not quite how it should be.”
It’s a rare and refreshing moment of candor in a sport known for tightly managed appearances and media duties. Verstappen’s words reinforce what many fans already admire about him—he’s not just a competitor; he’s a grounded human being who values authenticity and family above fanfare.
Since Lily’s birth, Verstappen has addressed one popular myth—that becoming a parent would slow him down on the track. His results suggest otherwise.
“Clearly, it didn’t make me slower being a dad, so that’s a positive,” he told reporters with a smile.
“I don’t really listen to these kind of silly things, I just do my thing.”
He was quick to point out that many world champions have raised families without missing a beat in their careers. And for him, the transition into fatherhood has been a fulfilling one.
“When she’s just been born, you want to make sure everything is OK,” he said. “I’m 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.”
While F1: The Movie is poised to be a high-octane Hollywood hit, complete with IMAX-worthy racing scenes and a star-studded cast led by Brad Pitt, Verstappen’s real-life story might just be more touching. At a time when the spotlight could easily tempt him, he’s chosen the nursery over the red carpet—and in doing so, reminded us all of what really matters once the race is done.
0 Comments