Max Verstappen has opened up about his recent relocation to a new Monaco residence, admitting that interior design decisions were largely left to partner Kelly Piquet while he concentrated on setting up his personal racing simulator space. The four-time world champion, who previously lived in a smaller apartment in the Principality, made the move during one of Formula 1’s most intense championship battles.
Championship pressure amid personal changes
The 2024 season proved transformative for Verstappen both on and off the circuit. Following the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, the Red Bull Racing driver faced his most challenging period in years, with genuine doubts emerging about his ability to secure a fifth consecutive title in 2025. Yet the championship picture shifted dramatically in the closing races, with Verstappen mounting a late-season resurgence that nearly culminated in victory at the season finale.
Beyond the track battles, Verstappen experienced significant personal milestones. He became a father for the first time with the arrival of daughter Lily, adding a new dimension to his life outside racing. The house move to larger Monaco accommodation came amid this period of change, representing a fresh chapter for the defending champion as he prepares for another campaign with Red Bull Racing alongside new teammate Liam Lawson.
Simulator room takes priority
Speaking in the Viaplay documentary *GeMaximaliseerd*, Verstappen addressed questions about his involvement in decorating the new property. His response revealed characteristic pragmatism about domestic arrangements. Rather than deliberating over colour schemes and furnishings, the Dutch driver dedicated his attention to one specific area: his simulator setup.
“I have my own room where I have my simulators and so on, my mancave,” Verstappen explained. “I’ve been quite busy with that, but with the rest somewhat less.” The admission underscores his technical focus even at home, where racing preparation clearly takes precedence over aesthetic considerations. His simulator work has long been recognised as a crucial element of his preparation, allowing him to study circuit layouts and test setup changes between race weekends.
Design delegation to trusted partners
Verstappen’s approach to interior design represents a marked departure from hands-on involvement. While his mother Sophie Kumpen assisted with his previous Monaco apartment, partner Kelly Piquet assumed primary responsibility for the new residence. “My previous one, she helped me a bit. Now Kelly has done most of it,” Verstappen confirmed.
His requirements remain refreshingly straightforward for someone of his stature in motorsport. “As long as I have a good bed, a good shower, good internet, a good TV,” he stated, outlining priorities that reflect the lifestyle demands of a Formula 1 driver who spends significant time away from home during the racing season. Professional assistance came through architects who guided the overall design process, yet Verstappen maintained distance from detailed decision-making.
Practical mindset extends beyond racing
The Red Bull driver’s admission about colour selection reveals his no-nonsense approach to non-racing matters. “If you give me all those colours, I just choose: ‘that one’. I’m not going to look at that for an hour or at a carpet. I don’t have the patience for that,” he acknowledged. This practical mentality mirrors his direct communication style in the paddock and his preference for technical precision over unnecessary complexity.
With pre-season testing approaching and a new Red Bull challenger under development, Verstappen’s focus on his simulator space rather than soft furnishings appears entirely consistent with his championship-winning mindset. The expanded Monaco base provides enhanced facilities for his rigorous preparation routine, including space for the sophisticated simulator equipment that has become integral to modern Formula 1 driver development.
What this means going forward
Verstappen’s settled domestic situation, combined with fatherhood and improved home training facilities, positions him well for the challenges ahead. The 2025 season brings fresh competition with Lewis Hamilton‘s move to Ferrari and several driver changes across the grid, making comprehensive preparation more critical than ever. His enhanced simulator setup in Monaco will prove valuable as teams adapt to evolving technical regulations and circuit-specific demands throughout the campaign. While interior design may not capture his attention, the infrastructure supporting his racing performance clearly remains paramount as he targets extending his championship success with Red Bull Racing into a fifth consecutive season.
