Quiet mentorship wins Verstappen new title: 'Dad of all rookies'

In an F1 paddock often defined by fierce rivalries and ruthless competition, an unexpected storyline emerged this season: four-time world champion Max Verstappen quietly becoming a guiding presence for the sport’s newest generation.

According to Mercedes young gun Kimi Antonelli, the Red Bull driver’s behind-the-scenes encouragement has earned him an affectionate nickname among the grid’s newcomers – the “dad of the rookies”.

Antonelli’s reflections, echoed by fellow apprentice Gabriel Bortoleto, paint a picture of a champion using his experience not to intimidate, but to uplift, as Formula 1 undergoes a generational shift with an influx of young talent.

A Champion in a Mentoring Role

While Verstappen’s on-track success continues, his off-track presence has struck a chord with rookies navigating the pressure cooker of Formula 1 for the first time.

For Bortoleto, who has long shared a friendship with the Dutchman through their mutual love of sim racing, that support has been particularly meaningful.

The Sauber driver described how reassurance from both family and fellow drivers has helped steady him during his debut campaign.

“My whole family in Brazil, it's just great,” Bortoleto told F1 when asked about the backing he has received.

“They have not been able to travel much this year to come to see me, but the races that they have been around, it was always great. And from other drivers as well, you see Fernando [Alonso] there also, you know, Max [has given] quite a lot of support in the background. So, yeah, it's great,”

Antonelli: Why Verstappen Became the ‘Dad of the Rookies’

Kimi Antonelli’s appreciation for Verstappen’s backing became particularly evident after a difficult moment at the Qatar Grand Prix, where online criticism followed a key on-track incident involving Lando Norris.

Amid the noise and abuse, Verstappen reached out – part of a broader pattern Antonelli says all rookies have felt this year.

“Yeah, he's offered his support. I think Max has been very supportive to all the rookies,” he said. “How do they call him? The dad of the rookies. But it's been great.”

Reflecting on that and the broader support from senior drivers, Antonelli highlighted how “embraced” the rookie class has felt this year.

“Also Lewis [Hamilton], but everyone, to be honest, seemed to have embraced the fact that there were so many rookies on the grid.

“They showed their support in their way, and then [also] having my family. I mean, my dad has been there the whole season and occasionally my full family was there as well.

“So, it's been great and I think it's the kind of support you need, especially in your first season of Formula 1.”

A Softer Side of a Relentless Champion

Verstappen’s reputation has been built on uncompromising competitiveness, but stories like these reveal another dimension to the Dutchman’s legacy.

As the sport welcomes a wave of young drivers, the 28-year-old’s willingness to guide rather than gatekeep has not gone unnoticed.

For Antonelli and Bortoleto, the presence of a multiple world champion offering advice, reassurance and perspective has helped turn a daunting rookie season into learning experiences – and, in the process, has crowned Verstappen with an unexpected title: Formula 1’s ultimate paddock dad.

Read also: Verstappen explains why ‘you take your pride in different ways’

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