Max Verstappen is adamant he won’t miss a Formula 1 race this season, even if the birth of his first child coincides with a Grand Prix event. The flying Dutchman is set to join the ranks of fatherhood in 2025 with his long-time companion, Kelly Piquet, who notably shared news of their expectant bundle of joy during the lead-up to last season’s Abu Dhabi finale.
Already a mother to daughter Penelope from her past relationship with ex-Red Bull driver Daniil Kvyat, Piquet is preparing for the addition of a new family member, although the due date for Verstappen’s first biological offspring remains under wraps.
Entering the fray once more as the reigning world champion, Verstappen faces a fresh challenge with McLaren crowned as the constructors’ titans of 2024 and Lando Norris lauded as the hot favourite for the upcoming drivers’ crown. Given that his Red Bull ride could potentially lag behind, Verstappen knows he must make every race count across this year’s packed 24-race calendar to clinch an unprecedented fifth consecutive title.
With his eyes firmly fixed on the prize, the 27 year old has resolved not to bow out of any races, insisting to Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad: “It’s possible, but I won’t do it,” adding, “This is just part of being a Formula 1 driver. If it happens, it happens. I can’t do anything about it.”
Formula 1 ace Max Verstappen has candidly shared the challenges of balancing his racing career with impending fatherhood, admitting: “Unfortunately, Formula 1 drivers don’t get any free time, but at the same time, I’m not the one who gives birth. Anything is possible, but in Formula 1 that doesn’t exist. You can’t take two months off. Or I have to be suspended because I have too many penalty points for swearing.”, reports the Mirror.
The Dutch driver expressed his anticipation about becoming a dad, saying: “But it’s hard to put into words as long as the baby isn’t here yet. I’m looking forward to it, also to how I’m going to experience it all year. To be honest, I hope not much changes.”
Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet, daughter of F1 legend Nelson Piquet, have been together since October 2020. While they are not yet married, Verstappen hinted at future plans when speaking to Swiss publication Blick, stating: “Not yet, but it will probably happen soon.”
The Red Bull racer is set to head to Bahrain for three days of pre-season testing ahead of the season opener, the Australian Grand Prix, scheduled for mid-March.
(Image: Formula 1 via Getty Images)
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