Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen has confirmed that his approach to on-track risks in Formula One remains unchanged despite becoming a father.
In an interview with Vogue, the four-time world champion said his family life does not influence his calculated decisions during races.
Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet welcomed their daughter Lily in late April last year.
The driver, currently seventh in the world championship standings, noted that fatherhood brought few surprises as he was already involved in raising Piquet's older daughter, Penelope, from her previous relationship with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
"I am already involved in Penelope's life since she was one year old," Verstappen said.
He added that his sister also has children, which made him comfortable around young family members.
"So when I got my own child, that was not really a shock.
At the same time, my sister also already had two children and I really like to be surrounded by children," he said.
Reflecting on the early months after Lily's birth, Verstappen described the period as quiet.
"I must say that the first few months as a father... I don't want to call it boring, but not that much happens.
They are very attached to their mother, but still you try to be there as much as possible," he said.
As Lily grows, the family routine shifts toward home activities and playtime with toys, alongside their household pets when racing schedules allow.
"Every week she becomes more of a human being.
Honestly, when there is nothing with racing on the schedule, I just want to be nicely at home with my family," Verstappen said.
The family limits screen time, emphasizing physical play over digital devices.
"Playing in the nursery, with toys, including those kitchen things," he said.
Verstappen explained that excessive television or tablet exposure can lead children to constantly crave those devices.
"Sometimes we do watch something, but too much television or an iPad... that is not a good thing.
Otherwise children long for it all the time, right?" he said.
Regarding racing, Verstappen avoids certain categories he views as more dangerous than Formula One, but his overall aggression on track remains unchanged.
"The risks are still there," he said.
He clarified that while he seeks every opportunity to gain positions during a Grand Prix, his decisions are calculated rather than reckless.
"It's not like I take stupid risks, but I am very driven.
If I see a chance to win a position and it is the right risk to take, then I do that," Verstappen said.
The driver concluded that outside factors in motorsports are often uncontrollable, but parenthood does not alter his competitive mindset.
"Racing always remains risky and something can always happen. That sometimes lies outside your control.
But the risks I take, are calculated," he said.
