Miami Grand Prix Qualifying Report: Verstappen Secures Pole Position
In a dramatic qualifying session for the Miami Grand Prix, Max Verstappen secured pole position, dispelling any doubts regarding how fatherhood might impact his performance. Following the recent birth of his daughter, Lily, Verstappen’s on-track dominance was on full display as he clocked a time that edged out Lando Norris by just 0.065 seconds.
Despite having missed media day duties while welcoming his new child, Verstappen emphatically countered speculation about his ability to juggle racing and fatherhood. “I don’t really listen to these kind of silly things. I just do my thing,” he stated during the post-qualifying press conference. His performance came after a challenging sprint race, where a 10-second penalty relegated him to a last-place finish.
Verstappen further noted, “There are enough racing drivers in the past that have been world champion even after having kids, you know. So honestly, I don’t even know where that comes from.” This comment referenced the legacy of former champions, including Nelson Piquet, who also balanced parenthood with a successful racing career. Verstappen remains closely connected to his family, frequently communicating with his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet, for updates and virtual visits.
With his third pole position of the season, Verstappen has signaled that his focus on racing remains unwavering. “Clearly, it didn’t make me slower as well, being a dad,” he remarked, affirming his commitment to competing at the highest level while embracing his new responsibilities off the track.
As the Miami Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will remain on Verstappen, who continues to set the pace in the 2023 Formula 1 season.
