From the Formula 1 circuits to tennis courts and executive boardrooms, these influential men navigate their careers while embracing meaningful roles as fathers and mentors.
Speed, Strength, and Legacy: Fathers Who Define Power and Purpose
In the interconnected worlds of sports and luxury, the figures of Max Verstappen, Gustavo Dudamel, Novak Djokovic, and Bernard Arnault reveal how personal and professional lives often intertwine.
Max Verstappen
In the world of Formula 1, the paddock is more than just a working environment—it’s a tightly-knit community where bonds often extend far beyond professional ties. One example is the relationship between Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet, daughter of the legendary three-time world champion Nelson Piquet, who claimed titles in 1981, 1983, and 1987.
Though Max recently welcomed his first biological daughter, Lily, with Kelly, he had already stepped into a meaningful fatherly role with Penelope, Kelly’s daughter from her previous relationship with fellow F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
Novak Djokovic
Shifting gears to the tennis courts, Novak Djokovic remains one of the sport’s greatest icons—not only for his unmatched record of 24 Grand Slam titles but also for the deep personal motivation he draws from his family life.
His wife, Jelena Ristic, whom he married in 2014, and their two children form the foundation that keeps him grounded and inspired. Novak frequently credits his family as the emotional fuel behind his drive to keep performing on the biggest stages, from Melbourne to Paris and London.
Their son, Stefan, born the same year Novak and Jelena wed, often attends tournaments and shows a keen interest in tennis, sparking speculation that he may one day follow in his father’s footsteps. Their daughter, Tara, arrived in 2017, and Novak honors her after victories by mimicking a violin performance—a nod to her favorite hobby. This balance between elite competition and attentive fatherhood defines Djokovic’s unique presence in the sport.
Bernard Arnault
Meanwhile, in the world of luxury business, Bernard Arnault stands as a powerful father figure whose influence spans far beyond his own generation. Since founding the LVMH empire in 1984, Arnault has ensured that his children are deeply integrated into its operations, preparing them for future leadership.
Delphine Arnault, born in 1975, holds an executive role at Christian Dior Couture and sits on the LVMH board, shaping the group’s strategic vision. Antoine Arnault, long seen as the likely heir to his father’s empire, oversees both Berluti and Loro Piana, and plays a critical role on the executive committee of LVMH.
Alexandre Arnault, now Executive VP of Product and Communication at Tiffany & Co., represents a younger generation’s flair for global branding.
And Frédéric Arnault, as the dynamic CEO of the prestigious Italian cashmere brand Loro Piana,, is driving technological innovation while maintaining the group’s high standards of excellence. As a father, Bernard Arnault has clearly embedded a legacy of leadership, preparing his children to carry the LVMH name into the future with confidence and clarity.
Gustavo Dudamel
Martín Dudamel Maturén, the son of renowned Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, is carving out his own path in the world of music, much like his father. Born from Dudamel’s previous relationship with Eloísa Maturén, Martín now divides his time between Los Angeles and Madrid. The Spanish capital is also home to his wife, actress María Valverde.
Key information
- How has Max Verstappen embraced a fatherly role in his personal life? He’s developed a great balance between his daughter and Formula 1.
- What inspires Novak Djokovic to continue competing at the highest level? His family, especially his wife and two children, keeps him motivated and emotionally balanced.
- Who is considered Bernard Arnault’s most likely successor? Antoine Arnault is widely seen as the designated heir to his father’s luxury empire.
- What is Frédéric Arnault’s role within LVMH? He is the CEO of Italian cashmere brand Loro Piana.
