Verstappen's blunt dismissal of 'silly' fatherhood impact talk
Max Verstappen has dismissed “silly” speculation that becoming a father could slow him down as a Formula 1 driver, as his Miami Grand Prix pole means “we can throw that out of the window”
Max Verstappen has dismissed “silly” speculation that becoming a father could slow him down as a Formula 1 driver, as his Miami Grand Prix pole means “we can throw that out of the window”.
Verstappen’s partner Kelly Piquet gave birth to their daughter Lily earlier this week. Staying at home to be present meant Verstappen missed the first day of media activities in Miami but arrived in time to be at the track on Friday.
The news triggered several lines of questioning to drivers and team personnel over the course of Thursday and Friday about whether it could impact Verstappen as a driver.
Verstappen clearly noticed that and rejected the notion after qualifying quickest in Miami on Saturday, while answering a question about how this week has been for him.
“It’s been good to be able to spend a few days at home before coming here,” Verstappen said.
“When she’s just born, you want to make sure everything is OK.
“Clearly it didn't make me slower as well, being a dad, so that’s a positive, we can throw that out of the window for people mentioning it.
“And when I was here, I am in contact a lot with my girlfriend anyway throughout the day, getting pictures and Facetime a bit here and there - it’s always there but now, one more member in the family.”
Although Verstappen was aware that this had been a talking point in the paddock, he said “I don’t really listen to these kinds of silly things” and just wanted to dismiss it.
“I just do my thing,” he said. “I think there are enough racing drivers in the past that have been world champions after having kids.
“Honestly I don’t even know where that comes from.”
Verstappen’s rival and friend Lando Norris, who said “Max did a Max lap once again and I cannot fault him” after claiming pole ahead of Norris by 0.065s, joked that “I was hoping becoming a dad would slow Max down but it clearly didn’t!”.
Nico Hulkenberg, the only other active driver who is a father, had also dismissed the notion on Thursday: “I don't feel that's the case.
"I feel once we step in the car – visor down, go out – even for me, I tend to forget what goes on outside because we're just so focused and so driven to perform and maximise.
“I just feel it's added benefit because it’s giving me so much outside of work and outside of being in Formula 1.
“I would even say it’s kind of been helpful for me, if anything.”
Several other drivers and paddock figures have only spoken warmly about Verstappen’s news.
Lewis Hamilton said “I just wish him all the best, it's such an amazing, special thing” having spoken to Verstappen at the previous race in Saudi Arabia and seen “how excited he was”.
George Russell said: “As Nico says, I think for many people it probably brings things to your life. I know what it's like when I see my nieces and nephews – they're not my kids, but they bring me so much joy when I spend time with them.
“And you've seen drivers in the past win championships and races who’ve got kids, so I don't see it changing anything on his professional level.”
Verstappen’s team boss Christian Horner pointed out that while it will make home life different for Verstappen, he has already been increasingly family-focused as Piquet has a daughter already, Penelope, who Verstappen has a very good relationship with.
Asked if it would likely impact Verstappen in the car, Horner said: “I don’t think so. He’s just very measured. He enjoys family life and for him it’s business as usual.
“He’s proud, of course. It's a great thing for him and Kelly to welcome a baby girl, it's great for him and for his family.
“He’s going to be a very present father, I’m sure. You’ve got to get involved with the nappies, in the middle of the night, all of that.
“It’s the most wonderful thing, welcoming a new addition to any family. Life will be very different for him now, in many respects, as a parent.
“But I’m just thinking – the genes of that child are quite incredible. When you think of Verstappen and Piquet – if it was a racehorse, it’d be worth a fortune!
“But it’s going to make life a little different for him.”
