Max Verstappen has emphatically stated that securing pole position at the Miami Grand Prix serves as clear proof that becoming a father for the first time has not diminished his speed on the track.
The reigning world champion, driving for Red Bull and aiming for his fifth consecutive drivers` title, claimed his second pole position of the season. He narrowly edged out McLaren`s Lando Norris and Mercedes` Kimi Antonelli in qualifying.
Verstappen was excused from his scheduled media duties in Miami earlier in the week. He delayed his arrival in the United States to remain home with his partner, Kelly Piquet, following the recent birth of their daughter, Lily.
During his absence on Thursday, media members questioned some of Verstappen`s rivals about whether they thought fatherhood might impact his driving approach or speed.
Speaking about the period at home, Verstappen said: “It`s been good to be able to spend a few days at home before coming here. 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,” he stated, directly addressing the speculation. “We can throw that out the window as well, for people mentioning it.”
He added that he stays in close contact with his family while away. “I`m 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.”
His competitors, when asked on Thursday, had largely agreed that they did not expect Verstappen`s pace to drop. This discussion point has historical roots, notably Fernando Alonso`s comment in 2005 suggesting Michael Schumacher might be more cautious due to having a wife and children at home.
When prompted to elaborate on his thoughts about the speculation regarding his speed post-fatherhood, Verstappen dismissed the notion.
“I don`t really listen to these kind of silly things. I just do my thing,” he remarked. “I think there are enough racing drivers in the past that have been world champions even after having kids. Honestly, I don`t even know where that comes from.”
Horner Praises Verstappen`s Remarkable Focus
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner highlighted Verstappen`s exceptional “ability to focus” in the wake of the 27-year-old securing his 43rd career pole.
Horner commented: “He`s walking a step higher and becoming a father, welcoming a beautiful little girl into the world is a massive thing for him.”
“But as we see time and time again, when he crosses that line into the garage and puts his helmet on, everything disappears,” Horner explained. “His ability to focus and deliver is insane. It`s really truly impressive.”
Verstappen, reflecting on his ability to perform despite significant life changes, explained how he keeps personal and professional aspects separate. This was particularly relevant after he finished outside the points in the earlier Sprint race in Miami due to a pit crew error.
He described his approach: “By not having a lot of emotion in a lot of things.”
“Of course, with my baby, that`s something different. I think I`ve never been that nervous in a resting heart rate state,” he admitted about the experience of his daughter`s birth. “But racing, I`ve been doing it for so long that nothing really spooks you anymore.”
Verstappen concluded: “What I`ve said already for a long time, is that once you`ve achieved your dreams in the sport, in terms of winning races and titles, it also relaxes you a lot. Even when you have a bad day, it doesn`t really matter. It`s about how you fix things, how you move on from it, and it just calms you down. You just focus on the next thing, and that`s what qualifying was.”
