Max Verstappen has made one thing abundantly clear: no matter what happens, he is not missing a single race this season. Not even for the birth of his first child with girlfriend Kelly Piquet. The reigning World Champion’s decision has sparked intense debate among fans, critics, and even fellow drivers, with opinions divided on whether he is making the ultimate commitment to his career or simply prioritizing the wrong thing.

Verstappen’s Iron-Clad Dedication to Racing

For anyone who has followed Max Verstappen’s career, his choice should not come as a surprise. The Dutch driver has always been fiercely dedicated to his craft, often putting F1 above all else—including, apparently, major life events. When asked about whether he’d consider skipping a race to be present for the birth of his child, Verstappen was quick to shut down the idea.

“Racing is my life,” he said in a recent press conference. “Of course, I’m excited to become a father, but my job is on the track. That’s where I belong.”

While some have praised his commitment, others have labeled it as cold, detached, and even selfish. Should a once-in-a-lifetime moment be sacrificed for another race weekend? Or is Verstappen simply doing what any elite athlete would—putting the championship first?

The F1 Mentality: Is Family Always Second?

Formula 1 has always been a brutal sport when it comes to personal sacrifices. Drivers travel constantly, endure extreme physical and mental pressures, and rarely get time for a personal life. The likes of Michael Schumacher, Ayrton Senna, and Lewis Hamilton have all spoken about the relentless nature of the sport.

But does that mean fatherhood should be treated the same way as any other “distraction”? Some argue that Verstappen’s decision reflects a toxic mindset within motorsport, one that discourages drivers from embracing their personal lives fully. Others, however, see it as a necessary evil—after all, F1 doesn’t wait for anyone, not even its champions.

A Selfish Move or Just Business as Usual?

Fans have taken to social media to express their strong opinions. Some call Verstappen’s move a testament to his unbreakable focus, while others see it as a blatant disregard for fatherhood.

• “This is why Verstappen is the best. No distractions, just racing.” – @F1Fanatic123

• “Imagine telling your kid you skipped their birth for a race. Insane.” – @LifeMatters

• “Total dedication. A real champion’s mindset.” – @MaxForLife

• “I get that F1 is important, but come on… family is bigger than a sport.” – @Parenting101

Even some within the F1 community have weighed in. Former driver Jenson Button commented, “I get that racing is everything, but trust me, these moments don’t come back. Being there for your child’s birth? That’s bigger than a race.”

Others, like Christian Horner, defended Verstappen, saying, “Max is a professional. He knows what he’s doing. This is part of the job.”

The Kelly Piquet Factor: What About Mom?

One major question that remains unanswered is how Kelly Piquet feels about all this. While she has not publicly addressed Verstappen’s decision, one can only imagine the weight of the situation. Kelly, daughter of F1 legend Nelson Piquet, understands the demands of the sport better than most. But does that mean she’s okay with her partner potentially missing one of the biggest moments of their lives?

There’s also the question of support—if Verstappen is at a race weekend, will she have the right people by her side when the moment comes? The lack of conversation around her role in this decision has led some to call out Verstappen for making it sound like it was entirely his choice, rather than a mutual agreement.

How Other Athletes Have Handled This Situation

Verstappen is not the first athlete to face this dilemma. Some have taken time off, while others have chosen to stay focused on their careers.

• LeBron James reportedly left a game early to witness the birth of his child, stating, “Basketball will always be here. These moments won’t.”

• Cristiano Ronaldo made sure to be present for the birth of his children, prioritizing family despite his packed schedule.

• Sebastian Vettel, Verstappen’s former rival, was known for emphasizing the importance of family and took a step back from F1 to spend more time with his children.

In contrast, Verstappen’s all-in attitude raises questions about what truly matters in the long run. Is this what it takes to be a generational talent, or is it simply an outdated way of thinking?

The Bigger Picture: F1’s Culture of Relentless Dedication

This debate isn’t just about Verstappen—it’s about the culture of motorsport itself. Formula 1 drivers are expected to be machines, pushing their limits every single day, with little room for personal emotions or commitments. But as the sport evolves, should its expectations also change?

Modern athletes in other sports have begun prioritizing mental health, work-life balance, and family time. In an era where drivers like Lewis Hamilton are pushing for a more human side to F1, Verstappen’s decision feels almost like a step back—a relic of an older time where drivers were expected to put racing above all else, no exceptions.

Conclusion: Will Verstappen Regret This?

At the end of the day, Max Verstappen’s choice is his own. His unwavering dedication to F1 is what has made him a champion, but at what cost?

If he wins another title this season, will missing the birth of his child seem like a small price to pay? Or will he look back years from now and realize that there are some moments in life that are simply bigger than racing?

One thing is certain—this decision will not be forgotten anytime soon, and whether it’s seen as ruthless determination or misguided priorities will depend entirely on who you ask.

With the season ahead, all eyes will be on Verstappen—not just to see if he can defend his title, but to see if the weight of his decision follows him beyond the racetrack.