Leclerc set for new chapter as he joins Verstappen and Alonso in fatherhood

“I am going to become a dad and I’m very proud of that,” he already said recently during a Q&A session with a fan, officially confirming what had long been an open secret.

Verstappen is already a father, having welcomed his first child, daughter Lily, with Kelly Piquet in May 2025. The Dutchman himself recently opened up about how fatherhood has changed his life.

Speaking to People, he explained how much he has enjoyed spending time with his daughter and how returning home has taken on even greater importance since her arrival: "For me, it's just really nice to be able to spend time now together. And also, for me, racing is fun, it's great, but it's also a nice thing to be home."

The arrival of Lily has also influenced the way Verstappen balances Formula 1 with his personal life. While racing remains a major part of his world, he admitted that getting back home after a Grand Prix weekend has become more of a priority: "I know what I want. I know I also want to take my private time and now of course you, after a race weekend you try to head home and prioritize that probably a little bit more than you used to."

The four-time world champion had already experienced family life before becoming a biological father, as Piquet also has a daughter, Penelope, from her previous relationship with former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat. Verstappen and Piquet announced in December 2024 that they were expecting their first child together, before welcoming Lily the following spring.

Fernando Alonso has also joined the group of fathers on the Formula 1 grid. The Spaniard welcomed his first child with his partner, journalist Melissa Jiménez. The arrival marked a new chapter in the Aston Martin driver's life away from the circuit, with Alonso becoming a father while continuing his lengthy Formula 1 career.

Several other current Formula 1 drivers are also fathers. Nico Hülkenberg has a daughter, Noemi Sky, with his wife Egle Ruskyte, while Sergio Perez has four children with his wife Carola Martinez.