Verstappen Balances GT Racing Plans With Family Time

Max Verstappen said Kelly Piquet understands his expanded racing schedule as the four-time Formula 1 world champion prepares for a GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup race with Verstappen Racing at Portimão, Portugal, following the Singapore Grand Prix.

According to GPblog and other media reports from Singapore, Verstappen will drive the #3 Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVO with Chris Lulham and Ben Barnicoat on Saturday, October 17, 2026. The event follows a Formula 1 triple-header involving Baku, Malaysia, and Singapore.

Verstappen explained that spending time with family has become a priority while managing his racing commitments. He said his partner's motorsport background helps them find a balance between competition and personal life.

"I think it helps that she comes out of a family that races a lot, you know, so I think she can understand a lot better. You always try to also combine stuff, so even if, let's say, you will be racing, maybe you can combine it with going around with the family a little bit, even in a race weekend like that, so we're trying to see what we can do there." said Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 world champion.

Verstappen added that he and Piquet try to make compromises so they can spend more time together despite his demanding calendar.

"But at the same time, also, she knows that I need to feel good and just be happy also, from both sides. So, we just try to always find compromises from my side, from her side, and try to spend as much time together. She doesn't mind it, I think she likes racing. It's not that she's against it, so that helps." said Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 world champion.

Sports Yahoo reported that Verstappen also spent time with his father Jos Verstappen after a Formula 1 victory, using the occasion to recover and reconnect away from racing demands.

"No party, just spending a bit of time actually with my dad. We don't really have a lot of one-on-one time lately, just because of the schedules and life. So I spent a bit of time with him and we just relax." said Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 world champion.

Verstappen has also spoken about family life outside racing, including his daughter Lily Verstappen, who was born in 2025 according to GPblog. He said spending time with his children and family is central to how he relaxes.

"The best part… I mean, just spending time with her and seeing her grow, seeing that it’s your little girl. That’s definitely the best part of it." said Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 world champion.

In a Formula 1 Q&A, Verstappen described keeping his personal life simple and focusing on relationships away from competition.

"Trying to live it as relaxed as possible, not really caring too much about stuff, social media… Just live your life normally, happy, with the people that you want to live it with. Try to keep it just very simple: keep life very simple." said Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 world champion.

He also explained that time away from racing is mainly focused on family and friends after a long Formula 1 season.

"Travel the world more, spend time with my family and friends. It’s not really about achieving or building, it’s actually spending time with the people that you miss a lot throughout your F1 career." said Max Verstappen, four-time Formula 1 world champion.

Kelly Piquet is the daughter of three-time Formula 1 world champion Nelson Piquet and has maintained connections with motorsport through her family, modeling, and public relations work.