On a sunny afternoon in May 2025, Charles Leclerc, the Monegasque Ferrari driver, visited Max Verstappen’s apartment in the chic Fontvieille district in Monaco. The visit was not only a friendly gesture to meet Verstappens newborn daughter Lily, but also a moment of nostalgic reflection between two rivals who have been fighting with each other since childhood. While they drank a cup of coffee together, Verstappen and Leclerc recalled memories of their intense cart years, in particular a notorious incident during the WSK Euro Series in 2012 on the Circuit de Karting du Val d’Argenton in France. This moment of companionship offers a rare glimpse into the bond between two of the largest stars of Formula 1.
On 2 May 2025, Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet welcomed their daughter Lily, an event that made the four -time world champion visibly happy. Leclerc, who lives only a few blocks further in Monaco, decided to visit his neighbor and rival to meet the new family member. According to sources close to the duo, as shared on social media, it was a warm and informal meeting. Piquet later shared a photo on Instagram from Lily, with a caption that expressed her joy about motherhood, while Verstappen pronounced his joy about paternity earlier in an interview withESPN: “It’s great, you never know what to expect, but it is certainly very special.” Leclerc, who is no stranger in the social circuit of Monaco, brought a small gift for Lily, a gesture that underlined the friendly bond between the drivers.
During the visit, the conversations quickly wandered to their shared past in the karting. Both were only fourteen years old at the time and competed in the KF2 category, where a collision between them during a heat in 2012 led to a heated discussion in the Parc Fermé. A video of the moment, in which a young Verstappen and Leclerc blamed each other, was later viral on YouTube and now has more than two million views. During the visit, Leclerc laughed at the memory: “We were so stubborn, but it has shaped us who we are now.” Verstappen nodded in agreement and joked that their rivalry on the go -kart track prepared them for the intense fights in Formula 1, such as their recent touché during the Grand Prix of Spain in 2025, where no punishment was distributed by the stewards.
The bond between Verstappen and Leclerc is unique. Although they are fierce competitors on the job, they share a mutual respect rooted in their shared youth. Leclerc unveiled earlier this year in an interview withGP33That knowing Verstappens driving style since their cart years has not benefited him: “Max is so good that you always have to adapt to him.” Yet their relationship is strikingly friendly outside the job. They often visit each other in the paddock and share a band as residents of Monaco, where they both enjoy the quiet life outside the racing season. Leclerc’s visit to Verstappens Huis emphasizes this dynamic: despite their rivalry, they are able to celebrate personal milestones.
The conversation about their cart years also brought memories at the top of the influence of their families. Verstappen spoke about the strict guidance of his father Jos, who pushed him to excel, while Leclerc reflected on the support of his Peetoom Jules Bianchi and manager Nicolas Todt. These shared experiences reinforce their understanding of each other’s journey to the top. While Verstappen is preparing for the Grand Prix of Austria and Leclerc sets his sights on a strong result with Ferrari, this visit offers a moment of peace in their hectic lives. The meeting, with the little Lily as the center of attention, reminds us that behind the helmets and the speed are two people who are not only rivals, but also friends.
