Max Verstappen says his Paul Paul for Grand Prix Miami has shown “clearly” to become a father for the first time has not made him a slower driver.
The Dutchman, who is looking for his fifth consecutive driver’s title, brought Lando Norris to McLaren and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli to seek his second pole position of the season.
Verstappen was justified by his media tasks in Miami on Thursday while delaying his arrival at the US to stay with his partner Kelly Piquet after the birth of their daughter Lily earlier during the week.
In his absence on Thursday, some of the rivals of Verstappen were asked by the media if they thought they could become a father could affect his direction.
Verstappen said: “Been good to be able to spend a few days at home before she came here. When she was just born, you want to make sure everything is okay.
“It is clear that it didn’t make me even slower, being dad. So that’s a positive.
“We can even throw it out of the window because people mention it.
“I am in touch with my girlfriend anyway all day, taking pictures and facetime a little here and there. Always is always there, but now one more family member.”
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The new father Max Verstappen takes the pole for Red Bull during the Miami GP qualification.
Verstappen’s rivals everyone answered questions Thursday, saying they did not expect him to slow down.
This group included Fernando Alonso, who could be seen to popularize the idea when he said in 2005 that he knew that Michael Schumacher would escape their battle in a high -speed corner Suzuka because the seven -time world champion had a wife and two children at home. “
Asked to elaborate on his comments about speculation about his speed, Verstappen added: “I really don’t listen to these things silly. I just do my things.
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Anthony Davidson analyzes the lap of Max Verstappen’s poles and where his rivals fell short during the qualification of Miami’s GP.
“I think there are plenty of racing drivers in the past that have been world champions even after they have children.
“Honestly, I don’t even know where it comes from.”
Horner: Max’s ability to concentrate is crazy
Red Bull team director Christian Horner praised the “ability to focus” to Verstappen after the 43rd Pole of the 27-year-old’s career.
Horner said Sky Sports F1: “He is walking a higher step and becoming a father, the welcome of a beautiful little little girl in the world is a massive thing for her.
“But as we see again from time to time, when he crosses that line in the garage and puts his helmet, everything disappears.
“His ability to focus and surrender is crazy. Really really impressive.”
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Main points of Saturday’s qualification by Miami’s Grand Prix to Miami International Autodrome.
Verstappen, who ended up outside the points in Sprint earlier on Saturday after a mistake by the Red Bull Pit crew, later explained Sky Sports F1 as he is able to share different aspects of his life.
He said, “Not having much emotion in many things.
“Of course, with my baby, that’s something different. I think I’ve never been so nervous in a state of heartbeat.
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Max Verstappen was given a 10 -second penalty for an uncertain release on the Kimi Antonelli path, resulting in both joining in pits.
“But competing, I have done it as long as nothing sprinkles you anymore.
“What I’ve already said for a long time is that after you have reached your dreams in this sport, in terms of winning competitions and titles, it also calms you down a lot.
“Even when you have a bad day, it doesn’t matter. It’s about the way you fix things, how you move from it, and just calms you. You just focus on the other thing, and that’s what was the qualification.”
Miami’s GP program of Sky Sports F1
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Grand Prix Miami is a unique experience, look at our favorite moments from recent years!
Sunday 4 May
- 6 Afternoon: F1 Academy 2 Race 2
- 7.30 Afternoon: Grand Prix Sunday: Miami GP Construction*
- 9 Afternoon: Miami’s Grand Prix **
- 11:00: Control Flag: Miami’s GP reaction*
- Midnight: TED notebook
*Also live in Sky Sports Main event
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