Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet announced on Friday that they are expecting their first child. In Formula 1, there is an age-old saying that drivers become slower once they start having children. However, Jos Verstappen, who himself raced as a father in the premier class, doesn’t believe in this. Moreover, Max has known for some time that he and Piquet are having a baby.
Almost twenty years ago, a young Fernando Alonso overtook his rival Michael Schumacher during the Japanese Grand Prix. A daring maneuver in the notorious 130R corner earned the Spaniard a spot on the podium. After the race, journalists at Suzuka asked how Alonso knew the action wouldn’t result in a crash. “I knew he (Schumacher) would brake because he has a wife and two children at home,” he coolly responded.
‘Children Actually Motivate’
It is a well-known assumption that Formula 1 drivers become slower once they start having children. Now that Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet are expecting, the question arises whether the Dutch champion will also lose speed. Father Jos Verstappen assures that these are just myths. “No way, that’s nonsense,” he said in a conversation with De Telegraaf. “I actually think it motivates. I certainly didn’t have any problems with it in the past. Moreover, Max has known for some time that he is going to be a father, and that doesn’t seem to bother him. Just look at his victory in Brazil.
Max Verstappen Excited for the Arrival of His Baby: ‘I’m Used to Being a Stepfather’
“He knew then that he was going to be a father,” continued Jos Verstappen. “And so did I. It may sound strange, but I knew it before he told me. I’m not a fool. I saw it coming. I know my son well and just need to look at him. But I’m very happy for him. Of course, there’s a lot involved, but he’ll have to experience all of that. Last week, his mother and his sister Victoria were with him in Qatar. He told them then too. That made it all extra special. I also find it wonderful to see how Max Verstappen and Victoria interact. They have a very close bond.”
