Competitors of Max Verstappen, the reigning Formula 1 world champion, have dismissed suggestions that becoming a parent for the first time will negatively impact his driving performance.
Verstappen, who is aiming for a fifth consecutive drivers` title, confirmed on Friday that he and his partner Kelly Piquet had welcomed a baby girl.
The Dutch driver announced the birth on Instagram, sharing the message: “Welcome to the world, sweet Lily. Our hearts are fuller than ever – you are our greatest gift. We love you so much.”
Nico Hulkenberg, the only other current driver in F1 who is a father, was asked before the Miami Grand Prix about the “myth” that drivers become slower after becoming parents.
“I mean, judge for yourself – look at the stats and what happens,” said Sauber`s Hulkenberg, whose daughter was born in September 2021.
“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.”
Hulkenberg noted that his former Haas teammate Kevin Magnussen and Verstappen`s former Red Bull teammate Sergio Perez were also Formula 1 fathers, though they are no longer competing. Hulkenberg added: “It was a fun fact that I was the only one since Checo and K-Mag left… I was the only dad. So yeah, he`s joining that club.”
“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.”
Fernando Alonso also weighed in, referencing a famous quote he made back in 2005. Fernando Alonso, who some might credit with popularizing the idea that drivers become more cautious after having children, appeared to step back from his previous stance.
In 2005, after an audacious overtake on his title rival Michael Schumacher at Suzuka`s notorious 130R corner, Alonso famously stated he knew the German would brake because he had “a wife and two kids at home.”
However, when asked about the possibility of Verstappen`s driving changing, Alonso replied: “I don`t think so, not at the moment. I don`t see that happening soon.”
George Russell of Mercedes stated he doesn`t expect any change in Verstappen`s performance, pointing out that several drivers have won world championships after becoming 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.”
“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.”
“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, chose not to comment on how Verstappen`s driving might be affected, but offered warm congratulations.
“I just wish him all the best,” the seven-time world champion said. “It`s such an amazing, special thing.”
“I spoke to him briefly in Saudi and saw how excited he was. Big congrats to him.”
Gilbert Pendleton 
Wesley Dunham