Red Bull Team Principal Christian Horner doesn’t see fatherhood slowing down Formula 1 maestro Max Verstappen.
Verstappen missed Thursday media duties in Miami to remain in Europe as his partner Kelly Piquet welcomed their first child, a healthy girl named Lily.
The Dutchman returned to the paddock on Friday where his team boss Horner was quizzed on whether fatherhood would have an impact on Verstappen’s pace.
“I don’t think so,” Horner told select media, including Motorsport Week.
“He’s a pretty measured guy. He’s got a stepdaughter as well. He’s just very measured.
“He enjoys family life and for him it’s business as usual.
“He’s proud, of course. It’s a great thing for him and Kelly to welcome a baby girl – a different achievement and perspective in life – but it’s great for him and for his family.”
Horner lends fatherhood advice to Verstappen
Asked to give his advice to Verstappen on fatherhood, Horner said “He’s going to be a very present father, I’m sure.
“You’ve got to get involved with the nappies, in the middle of the night, all of that,” Horner added.
“It’s the most wonderful thing, welcoming a new addition to any family.
“Life will be very different for him now, in many respects, as a parent.”
Horner pointed out that the genes of F1 champions from both sides of Lily’s family, the Verstappens and Piquets, mean she could be a star of the future.
“But I’m just thinking – the genes of that child are quite incredible,” Horner quipped.
“When you think of Verstappen and Piquet – if it was a racehorse, it’d be worth a fortune! But yeah, it’s going to make life a little different for [Verstappen].”
Verstappen joins Sauber’s Nico Hulkenberg as a father in the F1 driving fraternity and the Sauber driver agrees with Horner that it won’t affect the Dutchman’s speed.
In fact, Hulkenberg believes it could have a positive impact on Verstappen’s racing.
“I mean, judge for yourself – look at the stats and what happens,” the German said.
“Everyone is obviously different, but personally, I don’t feel that’s the case.
“I feel once we step in the car – visor down, go out – even for me, I tend to forget what goes on outside because we’re just so focused and so driven to perform and maximise.
“I just personally feel it’s added benefit because it’s giving me so much outside of work and outside of being in Formula 1.
“So I would even say it’s kind of been helpful for me, if anything.”
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