Max Verstappen‘s life extends far beyond the Formula 1 cockpit, juggling multiple racing projects alongside precious time with his young family. The four-time world champion has opened up about the intricate balancing act required to manage his Red Bull Racing commitments, his GT3 team ownership venture, and his responsibilities as a father figure at home.
Managing multiple racing commitments across different series
The Dutchman’s professional obligations stretch well beyond the 24-race Formula 1 calendar that keeps him travelling for half the year. Verstappen Racing, his GT3 team ownership project, demands significant attention and energy from the Red Bull driver. The venture represents more than just a business interest—it’s a hands-on commitment that includes nurturing young talent like his protégé Chris Lulham through the junior racing ranks.
Beyond his real-world racing obligations, Verstappen remains deeply invested in competitive sim racing, a passion that continues to consume hours of his limited downtime. The combination creates a relentless schedule that would challenge even the most disciplined professional athlete.
Finding family time during race weekends
Speaking on the Viaplay programme *Gemaximaliseerd*, Verstappen addressed how he reconciles his professional demands with family responsibilities. He lives with partner Kelly Piquet, serving as a father figure to her daughter Penelope, whilst also raising their own daughter Lily, who arrived last May.
“Of course, it’s many races where I’m away. In between, I still have marketing obligations. That’s something I’m not particularly fond of,” Verstappen admitted candidly. The solution, he explained, involves careful coordination: “We try to arrange it at certain moments so they travel along, allowing me to spend evenings with them during race weekends.”
The approach reflects a pragmatic acceptance of his circumstances rather than an ideal arrangement. Red Bull Racing’s demanding schedule leaves little room for extended family breaks during the season, making those evening hours together during race weekends all the more valuable.
Contemplating an earlier F1 exit
When discussing his long-term future in Formula 1, Verstappen made a striking revelation about his potential timeline in the sport. “I don’t see myself racing in Formula 1 until I’m 44, especially not if there are 24 races being held,” he stated matter-of-factly.
The comment prompted presenter Mike Hezemans to suggest Verstappen might retire closer to 34 than 44. The reigning world champion’s response—a somewhat hesitant, laughing acknowledgement—suggested the possibility isn’t far from his thinking. Such an exit would come well before many of his contemporaries have left the grid, but aligns with his stated desire for balance beyond racing.
The reality of modern Formula 1 demands
Verstappen’s candid assessment highlights the mounting pressures facing contemporary Formula 1 drivers. The expanded calendar, now featuring 24 rounds across five continents, represents a substantial increase from the 17-race seasons that were standard when he entered the sport in 2015. Combined with mandatory marketing appearances, sponsor commitments, and testing obligations, the modern F1 driver faces an unprecedented workload.
His emphasis on spending evenings with family during race weekends reveals the small windows of personal time available within the Grand Prix circus. The weekends stretch from Thursday media duties through Sunday evening, leaving only brief interludes between professional commitments. For drivers with young families, these constraints create genuine lifestyle challenges that no amount of success or financial reward can fully offset.
What this means going forward
Verstappen’s reflections on retirement timing carry significant implications for Red Bull Racing’s long-term planning. With Liam Lawson now confirmed as his 2025 teammate, the team must consider succession planning more seriously than ever. The Dutchman’s admission that he won’t extend his career into his forties contrasts sharply with Fernando Alonso‘s approach at Aston Martin, where the Spaniard continues racing at 43.
The balance Verstappen seeks between professional excellence and personal fulfillment may ultimately define the remainder of his Formula 1 tenure. His GT3 ownership project and sim racing passion suggest a man already building foundations for life beyond the F1 paddock. Whether that transition arrives closer to 34 than 44 remains uncertain, but his latest comments indicate the countdown has already begun in his mind. For now, the reigning world champion continues managing his complex dual existence—extraordinary on track, remarkably ordinary at home.
