Formula 1 World Champion Max Verstappen: “That’s my greatest treasure”

On 2 May 2025, Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen were blessed with little Lily, a little sister for Penelope, whom Piquet had given birth to in 2019 (at the time, the daughter of Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet was in a relationship with Russian driver Daniil Kvyat).

Max Verstappen rarely talks about his private life, but he made an exception for Formule1.nl. In the Dutch magazine, the 71-time Grand Prix winner says: “What am I most proud of? The little ones at home – that’s the most beautiful and the most important thing. Our daughter Lily is my greatest treasure. Family means everything to me.”

Years ago, Jos Verstappen used to drive to the races whilst Max stayed at home. Today, the same thing is happening again, with Max as dad and his daughter. The Red Bull Racing driver says: “When I was driving to a race before the summer break, the little one was standing by the lift as I left home. It wasn’t a nice feeling when the lift door closed. She’d only just woken up; I’d woken her up and given her a little cuddle, and then I had to leave.”

“Those aren’t pleasant moments. But that’s just part of my job. I went through the same thing with my dad, Jos, back then. I used to cry and all that whenever he had to leave, and I still remember well how hard he tried to comfort me. It was difficult for him too.”

“But I also know this is just a phase that will pass eventually, and then it won’t matter so much to her whether I’m leaving.”

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Max usually travels home straight after a Grand Prix. When he’s on the road, “thankfully, there’s FaceTime. And I get videos from time to time as well.”