Verstappen Secures Pole at Miami Grand Prix Amid Personal Milestones
Max Verstappen demonstrated his unwavering competitiveness by clinching pole position for the Miami Grand Prix, clocking in at 1:24.098. This feat comes shortly after the birth of his first child, a daughter named Lily, with partner Kelly Piquet. Despite a late arrival in Miami due to parental duties, Verstappen outpaced McLaren’s Lando Norris by just 0.065 seconds, reaffirming that fatherhood has had no adverse impact on his performance.
“I’ve been able to spend a few days at home before coming here," Verstappen commented. "Clearly, it didn’t make me slower, so that’s the positive.”
Following a disappointing performance in the Sprint—a result of a Red Bull pit stop error that left him out of the points—Verstappen’s ability to adapt quickly in qualifying reflects a driver still firmly in championship form.
Red Bull’s recent upgrades to the car’s floor have improved Verstappen’s comfort level, a factor he attributed to his qualifying success. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges: “We are still struggling a little bit with our limitations in the car. While we’ve been decent over a lap, our straight-line speed is not where it needs to be compared to McLaren and Mercedes.”
Looking ahead to race day, Verstappen noted the intricacies of tire management and potential weather changes. "The tires get really hot around here. The colder it is, the better,” he said, indicating a strategic mindset as he prepares for the race.
Verstappen’s focus remains unshaken by external chatter surrounding his personal life, stating, “I don’t listen to these silly things. There have been enough champions who’ve had kids and still raced successfully.” With the race looming, his commitment to performance and family stands evident.
