Max Verstappen breaks silence on his marriage plans after becoming a father in his native Netherlands
Four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has recently broken his silence on his plans to marry his partner Kelly Piquet, following the 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 of their daughter Lily in April 2025. The Dutchman, known for his reserved nature when it comes to his private life, gave an insight into his thoughts on a potential marriage, his new role as a father and his connection to his native Netherlands in a candid interview. The news comes shortly after Verstappen dominated headlines both on and off the track, with his exploits in Formula 1 and the joyful arrival of his first 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥.
Verstappen and Piquet announced in late 2024 that they were expecting their first 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥, a news that sent fans around the world into a frenzy. The 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡 of Lily, who was 𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐧 healthy in Monaco, where the couple live, was met with great excitement. Verstappen, who normally keeps his personal life private, shared the 𝑏𝑎𝑏𝑦 news on Instagram with a touching message: “Our hearts are fuller than ever, you are our most beautiful gift.” The driver missed the media day at the Miami Grand Prix to be there for the 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡, a decision that underscored his priorities as a new father. Still, he insisted his racing schedule was unaffected and he took an impressive pole position in Miami shortly afterwards, dispelling the myth that fatherhood slows down racing drivers.
In a recent interview with Swiss newspaper Blick , where questions about a possible marriage had previously been raised, Verstappen gave more clarity about his plans with Piquet. “Getting married? I don’t know, time will tell,” he said with his characteristic matter-of-factness. “I’m very happy with Kelly, but I’m not in a hurry or have a fixed date in mind. If it happens, it has to be spontaneous.” These words reflect the relaxed attitude of the 27-year-old driver, who despite his fame and success remains true to his roots. His relationship with Piquet, the daughter of three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, has been a stable factor in his life since 2020. The couple share a close bond, not only with each other but also with Piquet’s daughter Penelope from a previous relationship, whom Verstappen describes as “very cute” and with whom he spends time every day when he is at home.
Verstappen’s connection to the Netherlands remains strong, despite living in Monaco. Born in Hasselt, Belgium, but raised in Maaseik near the Dutch border, he says he feels “more Dutch”. His 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥hood was shaped by the influence of his father, Jos Verstappen, a former Formula 1 driver, and the Dutch culture he grew up in. “I was brought up as a Dutchman, my friends were Dutch, my life was very much in the Netherlands,” he has previously said. This bond with his native country is also evident in his choice to race under the Dutch flag and his support for clubs such as PSV and FC Barcelona. Fans in the Netherlands hope that any marriage will pay homage to these roots, possibly with a ceremony in his home country.
Although Verstappen has not announced any concrete wedding plans, speculation among fans and media has been mounting since Piquet caught a bridal bouquet at a recent wedding. The moment, combined with Lily’s arrival, has set the rumor mill spinning. Still, Verstappen remains focused on his career. In 2025, he will sit third in the world championship behind McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris and remains determined to win a fifth title. His contract with Red Bull Racing runs until 2028, and his estimated salary of €45 million per year makes him one of the highest-paid drivers in the sport.
For now, Verstappen appears to be enjoying his new role as a father and his relationship with Piquet, without feeling any pressure to get married anytime soon. “All in good time,” he said with a laugh, a statement that reflects his calm and confident approach to both life and racing. As the Netherlands and the rest of the world eagerly await more news about his personal and professional future, Verstappen remains true to himself: a man who breaks records on the track and sets his own pace off it.
