In an unprecedented emotional moment for the Formula 1 world, four-time world champion Max Verstappen has shared a message that has touched the hearts of fans and colleagues. During a press conference ahead of the Miami Grand Prix on May 4, 2025, the Dutch driver announced that he will temporarily retire from racing to be present at the birth of his first child. His girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, is expecting their child in early May, and Verstappen stressed that he does not want to miss this special period. The decision marks a turning point in his career, in which he has always been known for his uncompromising dedication to the sport. Now, he seems to be seeking a new balance between his professional commitments and his private life.

Verstappen, who has dominated Formula 1 for years with his unrivalled talent and determination, spoke candidly about his choice, explaining that fatherhood has added a new dimension to his life and that he wants to rethink his priorities. “I have achieved everything I wanted in this sport,” he said, emotion visible in his eyes. “But there is more to life than just racing. I want to be there for my child and Kelly. This is a moment I will never get back.” His words resonated deeply within the F1 community, where drivers rarely make personal sacrifices due to the sport’s unforgiving calendar. Verstappen’s announcement comes at a time when he is still embroiled in a fierce championship battle, making his decision all the more remarkable.

Reactions within the paddock were mixed but largely understanding. Red Bull team boss Christian Horner praised Verstappen’s courage in making such a personal choice in a sport where every race can be crucial. “Max is not only an exceptional driver, but also a human being with values,” Horner said. “We fully support him and will do everything we can to help him during this period.” Other drivers, such as Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, also expressed their admiration, with Norris even joking that Verstappen “will probably be back sooner than we think because he needs the adrenaline.” However, there was also concern about how his absence would affect the championship, especially with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri posing a serious threat this season.

Not everyone responded with understanding, however. FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem sent Verstappen an ultimatum shortly after his announcement, warning the driver of the consequences of missing races. According to sources within the FIA, Ben Sulayem is said to have stressed that Formula 1 does not tolerate exceptions, even for a champion of Verstappen’s stature. The ultimatum would mean that Verstappen could risk penalty points or even a suspension if he skips races without an official medical reason. This strict stance follows the recent tightening of the rules by the FIA, which are aimed at maintaining discipline and consistency in the sport. The tension between Verstappen and Ben Sulayem is not new; last year they clashed over a penalty for Verstappen’s language during a press conference in Singapore.

Verstappen’s announcement also sheds light on the wider debate over work-life balance in Formula 1. The sport has a gruelling 24-race calendar in 2025, and drivers rarely get time for personal milestones. Verstappen’s choice could set a precedent for future drivers facing similar dilemmas. Fans have responded en masse on social media, with hashtags such as #MaxTheDad trending. Many have praised his courage, while others have speculated about how Red Bull will deal with his absence, possibly with reserve driver Liam Lawson.

For Verstappen himself, the decision seems to be made. He stressed that he does not plan to stay away for long, but that his family comes first now. “I have always raced to win, but this is a race I cannot postpone,” he said with a smile. As the Formula 1 world prepares for an unusual period without its biggest star, one thing is clear: Verstappen remains a champion not only on the track, but also off it. His choice to embrace fatherhood, even under pressure from the FIA, shows a human side that the sport rarely sees.