Nico Hülkenberg reacted to the announcement of the loss of his status as a single father in F1, Max Verstappen awaiting his first child.
The quadruple world champion does not attend the press day on Thursday, in anticipation of the Miami Grand Prix this weekend, due to the planned birth of his first child with his partner Kelly Piquet.
This news means that Nico Hülkenberg will no longer hold the title of unique father in F1.
The 37-year-old German has a daughter and was the only Santa Claus since the departures of his former teammate Kevin Magnussen and Sergio Perez from F1 at the end of 2024.
“It is fun to know that since the departure of Checo and K-Mag at the end of 2020, I was the only father.”
“Max joins this club. I hope it will be a good sleeper! We have been very lucky with our daughter. Many discoveries. Many beautiful things that go with it. I’m sure he will appreciate.”
Hulkenberg quickly refuted the idea that F1 pilots slow down after having children.
“Judge for yourself. Look at the statistics and what’s going on for me! I think everyone is obviously different, but I can only speak for myself and personally, I don’t think that is the case.”
“I have the impression that once we get into the car, visor lowered, even for me, I tend to forget what is going on outside, so much we are focused and determined to perform and maximize our performance.”
“Personally, I find that it is an additional advantage, because it brought me a lot outside of work and formula 1. I would even say that it was useful to me.”
By his side at a press conference, Lewis Hamilton was among those who wanted the best to his former rival for the title.
“I wish him all the best. This is a really special event. I told him briefly in Saudi Arabia and I saw his enthusiasm. Congratulations to him.”
George Russell is certain that Verstappen will retain his speed despite the important change in his personal life.
“We are all professionals, but it’s a personal moment and for anyone who had a child, it’s a very special moment. I wish him the best. I think that for many people, it probably brings something to their lives. We have seen pilots earning races and championships in the past, when they had children.”
“So I see no profession on the professional level.”
