Formula One Drivers Who Claimed Titles as Parents

Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, recently welcomed his first child, Lily, into the world. While there was speculation about how fatherhood might affect his fearless driving style, he is not the first F1 racer to juggle championship glory and family life. Here, we take a look at some of the previous champions who have claimed titles on track while managing their responsibilities off it.

Graham Hill – A Father’s Love and Racing Victories

When Graham Hill won his first F1 world championship at the 1962 South African Grand Prix, he was already a father of two – Brigitte and Samantha. Despite his tragic plane crash death in 1975, Hill managed to secure another world title win in 1968 with Team Lotus.

Nelson Piquet – Balancing Fatherhood and Racing Triumphs

Brazilian racer Nelson Piquet had already won two F1 titles before becoming a father. He welcomed Geraldo and Nelson Piquet Jnr before completing his hat-trick of drivers’ championships in 1987, despite winning just three races that season. His son, Nelson Jnr, would later drive in F1 himself, while his daughter, Kelly – Verstappen’s girlfriend and mother of Lily – is one of his five children.

Nigel Mansell – A Father’s Racing Legacy

Mansell was pipped to the 1985 title by Piquet but claimed his only championship seven years later. By the time he reached the pinnacle of F1, he already had daughter Chloe and two sons – Leo and Greg, who themselves would go on to have motor racing careers.

Damon Hill – Following in His Father’s Footsteps

Remember his dad, Graham? Well, Damon followed in his father’s footsteps by winning the F1 title. Having twice finished second to Michael Schumacher in 1994 and 1995, Hill finally reached the top by taking the championship with Williams in 1996.

Michael Schumacher – A Father’s Dominant Era

Schumacher, who got the better of Hill while driving for Benetton, was a two-time world champion before becoming a father. Gina-Maria was born first before future F1 driver Mick followed in 1999, just before Schumacher hit his dominant period and took five successive world championship titles between 2000 and 2005.

Nico Rosberg – A Father’s Racing Retirement

Rosberg was the son of 1982 F1 champion Keke Rosberg but was not born until 1985, so Keke fails to make the list. However, Rosberg welcomed his first child, Naila, in 2013 and Alaïa followed just a year before he wrestled the title from Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton. He retired at the end of the 2016 campaign and has since gone on to work for Sky Sports F1 as a pundit.

Photos from Miami GP – Practice.