Jos Verstappen has taken exception to comments made by Red Bull chief Helmut Marko (Image: GETTY)
’s dad Jos Verstappen has blasted claims from Helmut Marko after the chief declared that fatherhood would slow the driver down. The four-time world champion is for the first time this year.
Verstappen stormed to another F1 title in 2024 after getting the better of his closest challenger .
And ahead of last year’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the 27-year-old announced that his partner Kelly Piquet was pregnant.
During an interview with RTL, advisor Marko said: “Generally people say that after their first child drivers will drive three tenths slower.
“That means Max will be within reach of some of the top drivers. But he would still be a bit ahead of them, so that means there’s no problem.”
Verstappen Snr was clearly unhappy that Marko had questioned his son’s ability to keep up his stellar performances on the track when he has the added responsibility of looking after a baby.
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Red Bull star Max Verstappen has been incredible on the track for the last four years (Image: GETTY)
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And he hit back during an interview with as he explained: “No, that’s bull**t. I think it just motivates. It didn’t bother me before.
“Max has known for a while that he’s going to be a father. That thought hasn’t exactly bothered him. Just look at how he won the race in Brazil. He already knew then and so did I.
“It may sound crazy, but I knew he was going to be a father before he even told me. I’m not crazy, I saw it coming. I know my son well and only have to look at him.
“For him I am very happy. Of course there are some things involved, but he has to experience all that.”
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Verstappen Jnr won seven of the first 10 races in 2024 as he stormed to the top of the Drivers’ Championship standings. But his lead was cut by Norris after developed a car that could compete with ’s offering.
The Dutchman eventually pulled away at the end of the season to move to within three titles of and Michael Schumacher.
And reflecting on his fourth championship success at the end of November, Verstappen told the F1 website: “It’s been a long season and of course we started off amazing, it was almost like cruising, but then we had a tough run.
“But as a team, we kept it together – we kept working on improvements and we pulled off the win. Incredibly proud of everyone, what they have done for me. So at the moment I’m just feeling very relieved, in a way, but also proud.”