Max Verstappen has described the modern Formula 1 paddock as “a zoo”, admitting that the constant demands surrounding him have made it increasingly difficult to find any peace during a Grand Prix weekend. The four-time world champion also explained how family life has become a much bigger part of his priorities, particularly since becoming a father.
The Max Verstappen of the past 12 months appears to be a different driver: more mature, more aware of his strengths and clearer about what he wants from the future. He has committed to Red Bull until 2030 and, between Formula 1 races, is also planning to compete in GT machinery.
At Singapore, both after taking pole position and after claiming his 73rd Formula 1 victory, Max Verstappen immediately went to spend time with Kelly Piquet. Family has become his refuge, and in an interview the Dutchman spoke openly about his daughter, his home life and the growing intensity of the Formula 1 paddock.
Max Verstappen now tries to leave without his daughter noticing
Family now plays an increasingly important role in Max Verstappen’s life. Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, the Red Bull driver also reflected on how difficult the beginning of the season had been for him.
“I was really on the edge, I had never felt anything like that before, especially during the first races,” Max Verstappen said.
Things are very different now, but the emotional impact of travelling has become more noticeable since his daughter Lily, born in 2024, began to understand that her father sometimes disappears for several days at a time.
“My daughter is starting to understand when I leave, so now I try to do it when she doesn’t realise.”
Family is changing how Verstappen thinks about his F1 future
Max Verstappen has repeatedly suggested that he does not intend to race in Formula 1 indefinitely, and becoming a father has given him another reason to think carefully about how long he wants to remain in the championship.
“I don’t want to be away all the time, I want to watch her grow up. Because once she turns 18, maybe she’ll say ‘bye’ and slam the door behind her.”
For Max Verstappen, the issue is no longer simply about racing, winning or competing at the highest level. Time away from home has become a more important consideration as his family life develops.
‘The paddock is like a zoo’
The Formula 1 environment itself is also contributing to Max Verstappen’s frustration. The Red Bull driver believes life inside the paddock has become increasingly intense as the championship’s popularity has grown.
“The paddock is like a zoo. Often it’s no longer possible to just have a chat with someone. It’s not possible anymore. I go from my room to the starting grid.”
Even for one of the biggest stars in Formula 1, Max Verstappen says the constant attention can become exhausting.
“In our hospitality there is always someone who wants something from you. They mean well, but I need to rest without constantly being disturbed.”
Formula 1’s popularity has changed paddock life
For Max Verstappen, that pressure is part of the price of Formula 1’s enormous global popularity. The championship is enjoying one of the strongest commercial periods in its history, and Grand Prix weekends now bring increasing numbers of people into areas that were once considerably quieter.
That has also changed the character of the paddock itself. More guests, more attention and a greater focus on photos and selfies with drivers have made it harder for competitors to find private moments during race weekends.
For Max Verstappen, who already faces an extraordinary level of attention as one of Formula 1’s biggest names, the effect is particularly intense. His comments underline how his priorities are evolving beyond simply winning races, with family time and personal space becoming increasingly important considerations alongside his Red Bull career.
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