While the majority of the current Formula 1 drivers are present at the world premiere of the F1 movie, four-time champion Max Verstappen is missing the event.
After finishing the Canadian Grand Prix in second, Verstappen head straight home to his newborn daughter, Lily. The Dutchman confirmed that he would be missing the event while speaking to the media following the race in Montreal.
”I’m going home to my daughter,” Verstappen explained.
”Whether I will watch that film again at a later time? 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.”
He added, ”I also sincerely hope that it is a good and successful film and that it has a positive effect on Formula 1. You just shouldn’t force me to go somewhere, because that’s not quite how it should be.”
Verstappen also missed the private screening of the film, which was held for all of the drivers ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix, for the same reason. He and his partner, Kelly Piquet, welcomed their first child together at the beginning of May.
Speaking for one of the first times since the birth, Verstappen confirmed that it hasn’t slowed him down.
“Clearly, it didn’t make me slower being a dad, so that’s a positive. So we can throw that out of the window as well, for people mentioning it.
Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing
Photo by: Sam Bloxham / Motorsport Images
“I don’t really listen to these kind of silly things, I just do my thing,” Verstappen added. “I think there are enough racing drivers in the past who have been world champions even after having kids. Honestly, I don’t know where this has even come from.”
He continued, “It’s been good to be able to spend a few days at home before coming here. When she’s just been born, you want to make sure everything is OK.
“I am 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.”
Leave feedback about this