Jos Verstappen has claimed that he predicted Max Verstappen would become a father.
Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet announced on Friday that they are expecting a baby.
In a joint publication on their Instagram accountsthe couple, their faces out of shot, posed with their hands on Piquet’s stomach.
The caption read: ‘Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way. We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.’
Verstappen Sr. has now stated that he knew his son would become a father even before he told him, especially after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix after starting from 17th on the grid.
He also dismissed suggestions that having a child could be a distraction regarding Verstappen’s career or that he might retire.
Jos Verstappen has claimed that he predicted that Max Verstappen would be a father
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet announced that they are expecting a baby
The couple took to Instagram on Friday morning to confirm the news to their followers.
Verstappen Sr said Telegraaf: ‘I think it just motivates him. It didn’t bother me before. Max has known for a while that he is 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 it then, and so did I. It may seem crazy, but I knew I was going to be a father before he even told me. I’m not a crazy person. I saw it coming. I know my son well and I just have to look at him.
‘I’m very happy for him. Of course, there are some things involved, but he has to experience all of that.
‘Last week, his mother and Victoria were in Qatar. There he also told them. That made the week very special. I also love seeing how Max and Victoria interact. They have a very close relationship.’
Victoria, Max’s younger sister, already has three children and Jos is delighted to have another grandchild.
When asked if it was special to end the year like this, Jos said: “One hundred percent.” Of course, I already know what it’s like to be a grandparent because Max’s sister Victoria already has three children. But in the end this is the most important thing in life. It’s wonderful what Max achieves on the circuit.
‘But starting a family, having children: it’s a really beautiful experience. I think the summers are going to be wonderful. Then when we are all together, with all the children and grandchildren.’
Verstappen has won four F1 world titles, taking successive victories from 2021 to 2024 with Red Bull. His latest win was confirmed after finishing ahead of Lando Norris in Las Vegas last month. In total, Verstappen has won 63 races in ten seasons.
The F1 season will come to an end on Sunday with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.