Max Verstappen wanted to respond to absurd beliefs saying that having a baby would slow it down, after winning pole position for the Miami Grand Prix.
A tackle intended for many people, of course, but also for Lando Norris, who declared after the qualification of yesterday, certainly in the tone of humor, that he hoped that a baby would slow down the Red Bull pilot (to read here).
The reigning world champion missed the press day at Miami International Autodrome after the birth of his little daughter, Lily.
The daughter of Max and Kelly Piquet was born in the last days of April and not on May 1, just before Verstappen fly away for Miami. Verstappen was therefore able to spend time with her daughter between Saudi Arabia and Miami.
“It was good to be able to spend a few days at home before coming here. When she just was born, we want to make sure that everything is fine.”
“It clearly did not slow me down, as a dad. This is the positive point. We can forget that too for the people who talk about it.”
“And yes, when I was here, honestly, yes, I spoke quite commonly. In short, I am often in contact with my girlfriend throughout the day. Suddenly, I receive photos and I take a little facetime.”
“My speed is still there. But now there is one more member in the family.”
Did he doubt that he would become a different pilot after the arrival of Lilly?
“No, I don’t really listen to these kinds of nonsense. I just do my thing. I think there have been enough racing drivers that were world champions even after having children. Suddenly, I don’t even know where this theory comes from.”
During a conversation with journalists after the qualifications, Verstappen explained that with his girlfriend, he wanted to adopt a simple and direct approach to the baby’s first name.
“At one point, Lily was just sounded well. Little and pretty, she has no second name, just Lily and her last name.”
We do not know if the full name is Lily Verstappen or Lily Verstappen-Piquet, but Toto Wolff, the boss of Mercedes, certainly knows which approach he would adopt if Max was considering a career in motorsport for the young woman.
“If she was called Piquet-Versapn, it would be excellent for marketing!”
Verstappen also clarified that, although Lily was born in Monaco, that does not mean that she is Monegasque like Charles Leclerc.
“She will have a Dutch and Brazilian passport. Let’s stay simple.”
So simple, so far, he hasn’t even changed a layer yet.
“Kelly had everything under control,” He said laughing, admitting that the pregnancy of her girlfriend even made her a little more lazy about her diet.
“I was also a little pregnant, so I’m a bit at the limit of my weight. Now, I just have to brake a little later in the first turn.”
Dr. Helmut Marko, Advisor to Red Bull, admits that the Dutchman is in a very good mood in the United States.
“He is completely relaxed and appreciates his role as a father. He showed me the photos of the little one, with the dog and the cat. He is happy, and it shows. And Max did not slow down three tenths, but he is faster by two tenths!”
