Max Verstappen rejects 'pushy' parenting: 'Exactly what you shouldn't do'

June 1, 2026 - 01:15

Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen has shared his firm views on parenting, saying he will never be a "pushy" father to his daughter Lily. In a recent interview, the Red Bull driver rejected the intense, high-pressure approach that some parents use with young athletes, calling it "exactly what you should not do."

Verstappen, who became the youngest driver in F1 history when he debuted at 17, knows firsthand what it takes to reach the top. But he says that experience has taught him what to avoid. "I see parents who push their kids too hard, who live through them," he explained. "That is not healthy. It creates pressure, not love for the sport."

The Dutch driver, who welcomed daughter Lily with girlfriend Kelly Piquet in 2023, says his priority is letting her find her own path. "If she wants to race, great. If she wants to do something else, also great. I just want her to be happy," he said. Verstappen emphasized that children need freedom to explore, not constant demands to perform.

He also noted that his own father, former F1 driver Jos Verstappen, was demanding but always had his best interests at heart. "My dad was tough, but he taught me discipline. There is a difference between pushing and guiding," Max said. "I want to guide Lily, not push her."

The four-time world champion added that he plans to be present and supportive, not a sideline coach. "When she grows up, I want her to remember that I was there for her, not that I was always telling her what to do."