Max Verstappen`s Formula 1 competitors have largely dismissed the suggestion that becoming a father for the first time will negatively affect the reigning world champion`s driving performance.
Verstappen, who is currently pursuing his fifth consecutive drivers` title, confirmed on Friday that he and his partner, Kelly Piquet, had welcomed a baby girl. He shared the news on Instagram, writing: `Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.`
Nico Hulkenberg of Sauber is the only other current F1 driver known to be a father. Ahead of the Miami Grand Prix weekend, he was asked about the common `myth` that drivers become slower after becoming parents.
Hulkenberg, whose daughter was born in September 2021, commented: `I mean, judge for yourself – look at the stats and what happens. Everyone is obviously different, but personally, I don’t feel that’s the case.`
He added that once inside the car, his focus remains absolute. `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,` Hulkenberg explained. He sees parenthood as a positive influence. `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.`
Before last season, Hulkenberg was one of three fathers on the grid, alongside Kevin Magnussen and Sergio Perez. With their departures, he was the sole dad until Verstappen`s announcement. Hulkenberg welcomed Verstappen to the “dad club,” saying, `I hope it’s a good sleeper. We’ve been quite fortunate and lucky. I think there’s lots to discover – many beautiful, nice things that come with that. I’m sure he’ll enjoy it.`
Alonso Reconsiders Famous Schumacher Comment
Fernando Alonso, who is perhaps partly responsible for popularizing the idea that drivers might become more cautious after starting a family, appeared to modify his previous stance. In 2005, after a bold overtake on Michael Schumacher at Suzuka`s notorious 130R corner, Alonso famously remarked that he knew the German would brake because he had “a wife and two kids at home.”
However, when asked about the potential impact on Verstappen, Alonso stated: `I don’t think so, not at the moment. I don’t see that happening soon.`
Mercedes driver George Russell also expressed that he doesn`t expect Verstappen`s performance level to change, noting that many world champions throughout F1 history have been fathers.
Russell commented: `I think we’re all professionals, but this is a personal part of your life. I guess for anyone who’s had a kid, it’s a pretty special moment. So yeah, all the best to him.` He echoed Hulkenberg`s sentiment about the positive aspects: `As Nico says, I think for many people it probably brings things to your life. I know what it’s like when I see my nieces and nephews – they’re not my kids, but they bring me so much joy when I spend time with them.` He concluded: `And you’ve seen drivers in the past win championships and races who’ve got kids, so I don’t see it changing anything on his professional level.`
Lewis Hamilton, a former fierce competitor of Verstappen`s, refrained from commenting on the potential impact on driving but offered warm congratulations. The seven-time world champion said: `I just wish him all the best. It’s such an amazing, special thing. I spoke to him briefly in Saudi and saw how excited he was. Big congrats to him.`
