Max Verstappen was absent from the private screening of the upcoming Formula 1 film ahead of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix.
The Dutchman, alongside Aston Martin racing driver Lance Stroll, did not attend the event, unlike the other 18 drivers on the grid.
Many noticed that the Red Bull driver instead streamed on Twitch at home with his Team Redline sim racing squad.
However, ahead of the racing weekend, Verstappen confirmed why he decided to give it a miss in the second part of the Drivers’ Press Conference
“Yeah, I notified FOM [Formula One Management] about that, so we were well aware that I wasn’t attending,” he told media including Motorsport Week.
“I wanted to spend more private time because it is private time at the end of the day.”
Verstappen recently became a father before the Miami Grand Prix, as he expressed that he would like to be home more often.
“I just wanted to spend more time at home,” he added.
“It wasn’t a mandatory event either, it was just my private time.
“And I prefer to spend that private time at home, especially because in Formula 1 you’re away from home so much already.
“Wanting to spend more time at home on days like that is pretty normal, I think.
“Now that the family is growing, I definitely prefer to spend more time at home.”
The reigning World Champion later confirmed he will watch the film once it comes out, as he has heard good things about it.
“I think it’s coming out in June, so I’ll download it on Apple.
“Of course I get it, there was the opportunity to watch it, I think I’ll watch it now or in 3 or 4 weeks, that’s fine as well.
“I read good stuff in the movie, so I’m sure that it’s going to be exciting.”
