On a sunny afternoon in May 2025, Monegasque Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc paid a visit to Max Verstappen’s apartment in Monaco’s posh Fontvieille district. The visit was not only a friendly gesture to meet Verstappen’s newborn daughter Lily, but also a moment of nostalgic reflection between two rivals who have been competing since childhood. Over a cup of coffee together, Verstappen and Leclerc reminisced about their intense karting years, most notably an infamous incident during the 2012 WSK Euro Series at the Circuit de Karting du Val d’Argenton in France. The moment of camaraderie offers a rare glimpse into the bond between two of Formula 1’s biggest stars.

Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet welcomed their daughter Lily on May 2, 2025, an event that visibly made the four-time world champion happy. Leclerc, who lives just a few streets away in Monaco, decided to visit his neighbor and rival to meet the new member of the family. According to sources close to the duo, as shared on social media, it was a warm and informal meeting. Piquet later shared a photo of Lily on Instagram, with a caption that expressed her joy at motherhood, while Verstappen had already expressed his joy at fatherhood in an interview with ESPN : “It’s great, you never know what to expect but it’s definitely very special.” Leclerc, who is no stranger to the Monaco social circuit, brought a small gift for Lily, a gesture that underlined the friendly bond between the drivers.

During the visit, conversation quickly turned to their shared karting past. Both were just 14 years old at the time and were competing in the KF2 category, where a collision between them during a heat in 2012 led to a heated exchange in parc fermé. A video of the moment, in which a young Verstappen and Leclerc blamed each other, later went viral on YouTube and has since been viewed more than two million times. Leclerc laughed at the memory during the visit: “We were so stubborn, but it made us who we are today.” Verstappen nodded in agreement and joked that their rivalry on the kart track had prepared them for the intense battles of Formula 1, such as their recent collision at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, where no penalty was handed out by the stewards.

The bond between Verstappen and Leclerc is unique. While fierce competitors on the track, they share a mutual respect rooted in their shared childhoods. Leclerc revealed in an interview with GP33 earlier this year that knowing Verstappen’s driving style from their karting days doesn’t give him an advantage: “Max is so good that you always have to adapt to him.” Yet off the track, their relationship is remarkably friendly. They often seek each other out in the paddock and share a bond as residents of Monaco, where they both enjoy a quiet life outside of the racing season. Leclerc’s visit to Verstappen’s home underscores this dynamic: despite their rivalry, they are able to celebrate personal milestones.

The conversation about their karting years also brought back memories of the influence of their families. Verstappen spoke of the strict guidance of his father Jos, who pushed him to excel, while Leclerc reflected on the support of his godfather Jules Bianchi and manager Nicolas Todt. These shared experiences strengthen their understanding of each other’s journey to the top. As Verstappen prepares for the Austrian Grand Prix and Leclerc sets his sights on a strong result with Ferrari, this visit offers a moment of calm in their hectic lives. The meeting, with little Lily at its centre, reminds us that behind the helmets and the speed are two people who are not only rivals, but also friends.