Max Verstappen asserted that achieving pole position at the Miami Grand Prix clearly demonstrates that becoming a first-time father has not negatively impacted his speed on track.
The Dutch driver, who is pursuing his fifth consecutive world championship, narrowly beat McLaren`s Lando Norris and Mercedes` Kimi Antonelli to secure his second pole position of the current season.
Verstappen was initially absent from his media obligations in Miami on Thursday. He postponed his arrival in the USA to stay with his partner Kelly Piquet following the recent birth of their daughter, Lily, earlier that week.
During Verstappen`s absence on Thursday, some of his competitors were questioned by the media about whether they believed fatherhood might affect his performance behind the wheel.
Verstappen on Performance and Family
Verstappen commented on the situation: “It`s been great to spend a few days at home before coming here. When she`s just born, you want to make sure everything is okay.”
He added: “Clearly, it didn`t make me slower either, being a dad. So, that`s a positive.”
“We can dismiss that notion for people mentioning it,” Verstappen stated.
“I`m in contact a lot with my girlfriend throughout the day anyway, getting pictures and FaceTime now and then. It`s always present, but now there`s one more member in the family.”
Verstappen`s rivals universally responded on Thursday that they did not anticipate him losing pace.
This group included Fernando Alonso, who famously suggested in 2005 that Michael Schumacher might ease off during a high-speed battle at Suzuka because the seven-time champion “had a wife and two kids at home,” an idea sometimes cited as potentially popularizing the speculation.
When asked to elaborate on his remarks regarding speculation about his speed, Verstappen replied: “I don`t really pay attention to these kinds of silly things. I just focus on what I do.”
“I believe there are plenty of racing drivers in the past who have been world champions even after having children,” he noted.
“Honestly, I don`t even understand where that idea originates.”
Christian Horner Praises Verstappen`s Focus
Red Bull team principal Christian Horner commended Verstappen`s “insane ability to focus” following the 27-year-old`s 43rd career pole position.
Horner remarked: “He`s taking a step higher, and becoming a father, welcoming a beautiful little girl into the world, is a monumental event for him.”
“But as we witness repeatedly, when he crosses the line into the garage and puts on his helmet, everything else vanishes.”
“His capacity to focus and deliver is insane. It`s truly impressive.”
Verstappen Explains His Approach
Verstappen, who finished outside the points in the Sprint race earlier on Saturday after a pit lane error by the Red Bull crew, later explained how he manages to compartmentalize different aspects of his life.
He explained: “By not letting a lot of things provoke much emotion.”
“Of course, with my baby, that`s a different matter. I think I`ve never had such a high resting heart rate.”
“But racing, I`ve been doing it for so long that nothing truly startles you anymore.”
“As I`ve stated for a long time now, once you`ve achieved your aspirations in the sport, in terms of winning races and titles, it also makes you feel much more relaxed.”
“Even when you have a difficult day, it doesn`t really matter in the grand scheme of things. It`s about finding solutions, moving past it, and it simply calms you down. You just concentrate on the next challenge, and that`s what qualifying represented.”
Marcus Prine