New father Verstappen relaxed and still hungry for victory

Max Verstappen's life changed, though not as drastically as some may have been assumed.

- Madeline Coleman

NEW YORK — This spring,

The 27-year-old Dutchman and his partner, Kelly Piquet, announced the birth of their daughter, Lily, before the Miami Grand Prix in May. The baby's arrival triggered questions about how it might affect Verstappen's performance.

After securing pole position a day later, he joked: "Clearly it didn't make me slower, being a dad."

Adjusting to a newborn has not been a shock, Verstappen said. Although his news conferences can seem tense at times, he was relaxed as he discussed this new chapter of his life.

Having a young child around is not actually new for Verstappen, as he has been in the life of Penelope — the daughter of Piquet and former Formula One driver Daniil Kvyat — since she was a year old.

"You get to understand how to live with a little one," he said, "and I think that has prepared me quite well for my own little girl."

Racing is the only life Verstappen has known. He comes from a racing family: His mother, Sophie, competed in karting until her initial retirement in the 1990s, and his father, Jos, became an F1 driver.