With the Singapore Grand Prix coming up this weekend (16 to 18 September 2016), we were inspired to put together this special list of our favourite dads who live in the fast lane. Read on to find out which Formula 1 (F1) drivers are devoted fathers as well!
Nico Rosberg
Currently second on the F1 Championship’s leaderboard (behind teammate Lewis Hamilton), Mercedes driver Nico Rosberg married childhood friend Vivian Sibold in 2014 before becoming a father to daughter Alaϊa Rosberg in August last year (2015). The son of former F1 champion Keke Rosberg races under the German flag and is reputed to speak five languages!
A photo posted by NICO ROSBERG (@nicorosberg) on
He sticks close to his family despite his hectic schedule, and by the looks of it, is very protective of Alaïa, even censoring her face in pictures.
Rosberg family is flying home to Monaco ? ? Familie Rosberg fliegt nach Hause ? #heli #f1
A photo posted by NICO ROSBERG (@nicorosberg) on
Racing is definitely in this man’s blood. We wonder if little Alaïa will folllow in her father’s footsteps.
looking forward to my 200th GP in Singapore next week. but guys, you forgot to count my very first (mud) GP!! ? pic.twitter.com/PcOxbjTvsE
— Nico Rosberg (@nico_rosberg) September 8, 2016
Felipe Massa
A photo posted by Felipe Massa (@massafelipe19) on
Did you know that Felipe Massa was just 20 when he drove an F1 car for the first time? The Brazilian native started his career at the tender age of eight with go-kart racing, before making his Grand Prix debut in the 2002 Australian Grand Prix. He now drives for Williams Martini Racing, having previously raced for Sauber and Ferrari.
He has grown tremendously as a driver, and is also the proud father of six-year-old Felipinho, who is often seen with him on and around the track!
Thank you guy's!! Felipinho was so happy !! ??? pic.twitter.com/i4446v7uph
— Felipe Massa (@MassaFelipe19) June 30, 2016
Kimi Raikkonen
A photo posted by Kimi Raikkonen (@kimi_raikkonen_kr7) on
Nicknamed ‘The Ice Man’, Kimi is “widely regarded as one of the finest drivers of his generation“. Prior to driving for current team Ferrari Scuderia, the Ice Man took a break from 2010 to 2011 after representing the likes of McLaren and Sauber. Like many others, he started with go-karting, before moving on to drive F1 cars competitively.
Young man on the move! Just got home and now he is re-packing?? @babyshopfinland
A photo posted by Minttu Räikkönen (@minttu.raikkonen) on
Kimi married model Minttu Virtanen in August this year (2016), after the couple welcomed son Robin in 2015. Little Robin may have just turned one but he already has his own miniature Ferrari, as well as a Ferrari suitcase. No prizes for guessing Robin’s favourite car in the future.
Romain Grosjean
Join the team #r8g ??? Find everything at : www.romaingrosjeanstore.com #f1 #team #clothes
A photo posted by Romain Grosjean (@grosjeanromain) on
Romain Grosjean did not have an easy start to his F1 career, but he overcame the odds and is doing well with the relatively new Haas F1 Formula One team. Known as the easy-going, charming driver with a self-deprecating sense of humour, the father-of-two aims to help bring the team to greater heights.
A photo posted by Romain Grosjean (@grosjeanromain) on
Though he keeps his sons (Simon and Sacha, aged one and four respectively) sheltered from the public eye, it is evident that Romain dotes on the two boys.
Can't believe our second son Simon is turning one today !!! Happy birthday young man. LOVE YOU ? #ProudFather #love pic.twitter.com/uIJkF9z7kU
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) May 16, 2016
Sacha's birthday cake wishes were : Cereals, sweets and a lot of candles… That should work ?❤? #love #family pic.twitter.com/THjQ0EG0k2
— Romain Grosjean (@RGrosjean) August 1, 2016
Sebastian Vettel
A photo posted by Sebastian Vettel ☝️ (@fansofsebvettel) on
The Ferrari driver has had a stunning career, having won the F1 championship four times with his previous team, Red Bull Racing.
Probably the most private driver of the lot (he doesn’t even have a Twitter account or an Instagram account), very few photos have been seen of Sebastian and his long-term girlfriend, Hannah Prater, and even fewer have been seen of their daughters Emilie and Matilda. Nonetheless, we believe this fiercely protective young father is an excellent one, who only wants the best for little ones!
For last week’s dad crush, click here.