Formula 1 fans were in for a surprise this week as World Champion Max Verstappen was spotted enjoying a brief but luxurious getaway in Dubai—alongside longtime rival and friend Charles Leclerc. The unexpected duo, often seen in fierce competition on track, took time to unwind before the next Grand Prix, bringing their families along for a rare joint vacation.
What caught the attention of fans and photographers wasn’t just the rare camaraderie between the two elite drivers—but the very first public sighting of Verstappen’s infant daughter, Lily.
Photos snapped by onlookers at a private beach resort in Palm Jumeirah show Verstappen holding baby Lily in his arms, flanked by partner Kelly Piquet. The trio appeared relaxed and happy, marking a rare glimpse into the fiercely private family life of the Red Bull driver. Lily, believed to be just under a year old, was seen wearing a sunhat and tiny Red Bull-themed romper, melting hearts across social media.
Charles Leclerc, who arrived a day earlier with girlfriend Alexandra Saint Mleux, was seen joining the Verstappens for a beachside lunch. The two drivers, both dressed casually in shorts and sunglasses, were reportedly seen laughing and enjoying a quiet meal with their families, a far cry from their usual intense race-day demeanor.
Sources close to the resort say the joint holiday was a spontaneous plan made after the grueling Monaco Grand Prix, which left both drivers mentally and physically exhausted. “They just wanted a few days to breathe,” a hotel employee shared under anonymity. “No media, no team meetings—just sun, sea, and their loved ones.”
Fans were quick to express their delight online.
“Max and Charles vacationing together? This is the bromance we didn’t know we needed!” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
“Seeing baby Lily for the first time… my heart is full. She’s adorable!” commented another.
The moment has gone viral, with #BabyLily trending worldwide and over 10 million views on a fan-posted TikTok of the group walking along the beach.
While both Verstappen and Leclerc have been fiercely private about their personal lives, this joint trip signals a shift—one that fans are more than ready to embrace. For Verstappen in particular, it’s the first time his daughter has been publicly seen since her birth, which was kept out of the media spotlight. Red Bull Racing had previously confirmed her birth but offered no photos or further statements.
The short vacation is expected to end by midweek, as both drivers prepare to return to their respective team facilities ahead of the Austrian Grand Prix. But even a brief glimpse of life beyond the racetrack has left a lasting impact on fans.
“They’re world-class drivers, but also loving boyfriends, fathers, and friends,” wrote one Instagram fan page. “It’s beautiful to see them this way.”
It also reignited hopes of a future collaboration—or at least a deepened friendship—between two of F1’s biggest names. While the competitive fire remains intense on Sundays, their off-track bond seems to be strengthening.
Neither Verstappen nor Leclerc have made public comments about the trip, and representatives from both drivers have declined to offer official statements. However, insiders suggest that the friendship has been growing behind the scenes, especially after a number of close finishes and shared frustrations over recent FIA decisions.
As the 2025 F1 season barrels forward, fans will be watching closely—not just for podium finishes, but for more of these rare, humanizing moments that remind us: even legends need a break.
