Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula One World Champion, has once again sparked conversation in the F1 community—not for his racing achievements, but for his candid comments directed at Max Verstappen, who recently announced he’s expecting his first 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 with partner Kelly Piquet.

Hamilton’s words came after Verstappen shared his excitement about becoming a father during an appearance on the Talking Bull podcast. The Dutchman, who has dominated the sport in recent years and secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title, revealed plans to steer his future 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 away from racing.

“I don’t want he or she to go into racing. Maybe a different role, like designing future cars,” Verstappen stated. Despite his firm stance on their future career, Verstappen expressed genuine enthusiasm for fatherhood, saying, “It’s going to be a different challenge, but I’m looking forward to it.”

Hamilton’s Surprising Response

While Verstappen appeared unfazed by the upcoming challenge, Hamilton took the opportunity to reflect on his own choices and share advice. Speaking in a post-race interview, Hamilton said, “I congratulate Max on his new chapter, but for me, starting a family was never the plan during my career. That’s why I didn’t settle down or have kids early on. Racing demands your all—it’s not just a job; it’s a way of life.”

Hamilton, who has often spoken about his dedication to the sport, emphasized the sacrifices required to compete at the highest level. “When you’re racing, you’re married to the car, the team, the strategy. To be the best, you need 100% focus, and for me, that didn’t leave room for a family,” he added.

Contrasting Paths

The comments highlight the contrasting approaches of the two champions. At 27, Verstappen is embarking on fatherhood while maintaining his dominance in the sport. In contrast, Hamilton, who started his F1 career at a similar age, chose to prioritize his career, becoming one of the greatest drivers in history.

Fans have been quick to weigh in on Hamilton’s remarks. Some praised his honesty, while others questioned whether Verstappen’s decision to start a family would impact his performance.

“Lewis’s words are a reminder of the sacrifices needed to excel in F1. Max’s challenge now will be balancing his personal life with his racing career,” commented one fan.

The Future of the Verstappen Legacy

As Verstappen prepares for the arrival of his first 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥, speculation grows about whether this marks a shift in the sport’s generational dynamics. While Verstappen has vowed to ban his 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥 from racing, his legacy in Formula One could inspire future involvement in the sport in unexpected ways.

For now, Verstappen seems poised to embrace the challenges ahead, both on and off the track. Meanwhile, Hamilton’s reflections remind us of the intense dedication it takes to stay at the top—a dedication that, for him, meant postponing personal milestones.

As the 2025 Formula One season approaches, the spotlight will undoubtedly remain on these two champions, each carving their own unique path in life and in racing.