Verstappen feels at ease with his title loss due to fatherhood.
"Don't feel disheartened, as I'm not either."
Max Verstappen acknowledges that his life outside of Formula 1 has found a new equilibrium, with fatherhood helping him gain perspective on both wins and losses. In an interview with Viaplay following his championship defeat to McLaren's Lando Norris, the four-time world champion shared how becoming a father has influenced his mindset, just before he got back to racing at Estoril to test a GT3 car.
"I feel a bit more relaxed now, I suppose," Verstappen mentioned. "It's more vital to spend time with family and stay home as much as possible. Organizing your time better is key."
The Dutch driver seemed notably unfazed by missing out on a fifth consecutive world title to Norris. "Don't be disappointed, as I’m not either," Verstappen remarked to his interviewers. "While results matter in life, the most crucial aspect is being happy personally and watching your little ones grow up. That brings joy. I truly enjoy that."
Verstappen now balances family life with his partner Kelly Piquet, their baby daughter Lily, and Piquet's first child Penelope—an influence that has clearly mellowed his perspective on the sport's ups and downs. When asked about the less glamorous aspects of parenthood, Verstappen chuckled at the mention of diaper-changing. "Pff, luckily not too often, but there was another one this morning, phew!" he joked, pretending to hand the baby off. "Here, Kelly!"
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Verstappen feels at ease with his title loss due to fatherhood.
Formula 1 | Max Verstappen acknowledges that his life outside of Formula 1 has reached a new equilibrium, with parenthood assisting him in perspective on both triumph and loss.