“We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.” One would think that’s Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet talking about Max Verstappen’s fourth consecutive Formula 1 championship in 2024. But just as the motorsport world buzzed over his dominance on the track, in Abu Dhabi this weekend, Verstappen surprised fans with a major life update: he’s about to become a dad.

As congratulations poured in from fans and fellow drivers, a playful narrative began to emerge online: Project Verstappen. Could this child follow in their father’s illustrious footsteps? Max Verstappen, however, is determined to take a different approach than the one that shaped his rise to greatness—a journey marked by the rigorous and often controversial guidance of his father, Jos Verstappen.

Max Verstappen’s childhood: Tough love and no shortcuts

Max Verstappen’s career is nothing short of extraordinary. By the time he secured his fourth world title, the Red Bull star was widely regarded as one of the greatest talents Formula 1 has ever seen. But the foundation of his success was laid in his early years, thanks to the relentless drive of his father, Jos, himself a former F1 driver. Jos’s methods were famously strict, with no room for error. Max Verstappen recalled his childhood as a rigorous training ground for his future in racing. “That’s exactly what I needed,” Verstappen said when reflecting on his upbringing. “Of course, sometimes I talked about why he had to be so serious and strict all the time, but now I’m grateful for him.”  

The results are undeniable. Max entered F1 at just 17, and by 26, he has already rewritten the sport’s record books. Yet, when asked about whether he envisions his child following the same path, Verstappen was unequivocal: “I hope not. If he or she wants to do it, and I see that there is talent, I would support it, of course, naturally,” Max continued. “But I really hope not! Again, no pressure. Just live your life.”

The pregnancy announcement has only deepened the motorsport world’s fascination with the Verstappen-Piquet household. Many were quick to speculate about the racing potential of their child, with fans leaving comments like, “Mini Max is coming—Project Verstappen starts now!” and “The child’s father is a four-time champion, and their grandfather is a three-time champion. The first eight-time champion?”

Max’s softer approach to parenting may be influenced by the loving and supportive relationship he shares with Kelly Piquet. Since the couple went public in 2021, Piquet has been a constant presence in Max’s life, along with her daughter from a previous relationship, Penelope. Fans often delight in seeing Max interact with “P,” whether it’s during celebratory moments at the track or lighthearted family bonding on social media. She often made appearances in Max Verstappen’s Twitch streams, with his interactions with P being the highlights of the stream. This adorable relationship was miles away from Verstappen’s childhood.

Although Jos’s methods raised eyebrows, he defended his approach as necessary to produce a world-class driver. “People say how bad a father I was to him,” Jos said in a Viaplay documentary. “I never abused him. I was hard on him, that mistake, and that was also my plan… A lot of people have no idea what you have to do to arrive at the top of a sport.” Verstappen’s perspective showcases a stark contrast to his upbringing. While he acknowledges the role his father played in shaping his career, Max Verstappen is adamant that his child should forge their own path—whether in motorsport or beyond.

Jos pushed young Max Verstappen to his limits, often in ways that would seem extreme by today’s standards. One infamous story from his karting days reveals just how far Jos was willing to go to instill discipline. After a poor decision during a race, Jos, frustrated and disappointed, left Max at a gas station. “He stopped at the fuel station. He was like: ‘You get out.’ And then he drove off,” Max shared, recalling how his mother eventually had to pick him up.

What does Verstappen’s future entail

Former drivers joined in the playful banter. David Coulthard joked, “Here comes the next 10x World Champion,” while Giedo van der Garde quipped that all other kids in karting might as well “pack their bags.” Kelly’s father, Nelson Piquet—a three-time F1 champion himself—adds even more weight to the child’s potential motorsport pedigree. But both Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet have made it clear that the arrival of their little one is about family, not legacy.

As Max Verstappen looks to balance his career with fatherhood, he’s also contemplating life beyond Formula 1. His recent remarks about wanting more time with his family now make perfect sense. The reigning champion may still have years left in his racing career, but it’s clear that his priorities are starting to shift. With 4 titles on his belt, speculations of Verstappen trying to match the 7 titles of Hamilton and Schumacher are already on the table.

“I am already very happy with what I have achieved in Formula 1. I do not have to stay for the achievements. I have already achieved more than I could ever have dreamed of. But once you stop racing, it no longer matters whether you have become world champion three times, five times, or seven times. It does not matter for how I continue to live.” Outside of this, Max Verstappen also has interests in other forms of racing. He’s expressed an interest in Endurance racing series such as Le Mans. Perhaps a foray into the annual race would pair perfectly with his fatherhood journey.

For fans, the anticipation surrounding “Mini Verstappen” is as much about their potential as it is about the joy they’ll bring to a family already adored by millions. And for Max, it’s an opportunity to create a different kind of legacy—one defined by love, freedom, and a childhood far removed from the high-pressure environment he endured.