Verstappen Shares Life Lessons from Austin Trip

In a refreshing, unscripted road trip through the streets of Austin, Texas, four-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen teamed up with professional stuntman Riley Harper for a candid conversation hosted by TAG Heuer and Oracle Red Bull Racing.

–by Mark Cipolloni–

Filmed in a rugged Ford Bronco during the United States Grand Prix weekend, the nearly hour-long chat offered fans a rare glimpse into the Dutch driver’s world—blending high-octane racing stories with heartfelt reflections on his new role as a father.

The conversation kicked off with light-hearted banter about the vehicle’s setup and the bustling Austin energy, but quickly turned personal when Harper congratulated Verstappen on his newest “arrival.”

t just 5.5 months old, Verstappen’s daughter Lily—born in April 2025 to partner Kelly Piquet—has already transformed his perspective on life away from the track. “It’s been great,” Verstappen shared, noting how fatherhood has made shorter race absences more preferable. He also opened up about being a “girl dad” twice over, with his stepdaughter Penelope (now 6) from Piquet’s previous relationship. The duo bonded over shared milestones, like babies’ first laughs and tiny hands grabbing fingers, with Verstappen beaming about the simple joys that ground him amid the F1 chaos.

Fatherhood, Verstappen explained, has amplified his appreciation for homecomings. “Leaving is a bit harder now, but coming back is even better,” he admitted. While his kids haven’t attended races yet—due to the intense stress—he credits family and old friends for helping him switch off from the relentless F1 schedule. Sim racing remains a hobby (1-2 hours when time allows), but family time now takes priority.

On the racing front, Verstappen reflected on his lightning-fast rise: from his final karting race in November 2013 to his F1 debut session in October 2014 at age 17. He praised the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) as one of his favorites, highlighting Austin’s vibrant growth and the track’s demanding layout. Discussing the physical toll of modern F1—neck strain, extreme cockpit heat (losing up to 3kg in sweat during hot races like Singapore), and pins-and-needles in his feet—Verstappen emphasized the sport’s evolution since his childhood in the paddock.

Looking ahead, Verstappen revealed ambitions beyond F1, including endurance racing like the 24 Hours of Le Mans or Daytona. He’s already dipped his toes in with his own GT team, preferring a lighter calendar (6-8 races) for better life balance post-F1. He critiqued sprint weekends for lacking emotional depth and shared fond memories of tracks like Mexico City (for its passionate crowds and food) and Monaco’s iconic tunnel.

The pair also delved into TAG Heuer’s rich motorsport heritage—inspiring figures like Ayrton Senna and Steve McQueen—and Verstappen’s personal collection of engraved Monaco watches, each marked with stars for his championships. Childhood stories flowed naturally: biking through muddy paddocks, starting mini bikes at age 4, and growing up surrounded by motorsport’s “sound, culture, and chaos.”

As they pulled up to a TAG Heuer store opening amid cheering crowds, the drive encapsulated Verstappen’s essence: a fiercely competitive racer who’s profoundly grounded. Fatherhood has added a new layer of fulfillment, making the highs of victory even sweeter and reminding everyone that even the grid’s dominant force finds his greatest wins off the track. This raw, petrolhead-to-petrolhead chat stands out as one of the most relatable Verstappen interviews yet—a perfect blend of speed, heritage, and heart.