Jos Verstappen makes bizarre claim as he suggests he predicted his son Max would become a father as bitter F1 season draws to a close
Jos Verstappen has claimed he predicted Max Verstappen would become a father.
Max Verstappen and his partner Kelly Piquet announced on Friday that they are expecting a child.
In a joint post on their Instagram accountsthe couple posed – with their faces out of the picture – 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. stated that he knew his son would become a father before he even told him, especially after winning the Brazilian Grand Prix after starting from 17th on the grid.
Furthermore, he rejected suggestions that having a child could potentially be a distraction to Verstappen’s career or that he could retire.
Jos Verstappen has claimed he predicted Max Verstappen would become a father
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet announced that they are expecting a child
The couple took to Instagram on Friday morning to confirm the news to their followers
Verstappen Sr. said The Telegraph: ‘I think it just motivates him. I didn’t have any problems with it before. Max has known for a while that he is going to become a father. That thought doesn’t exactly bother him.
‘Just look at how he won the race in Brazil. He knew it 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 a crazy person. I saw it coming. I know my son well, and all I have to do is look at him.
‘I am very happy for him. Of course there are a few things involved, but he has to experience it all.
‘Last week his mother and Victoria were in Qatar. He told them there too. That made the week extra special. I also enjoy seeing how Max and Victoria interact. They have a very close relationship.’
Max’s younger sister Victoria already has three children and Verstappen Sr. is happy that he will have another grandchild.
Verstappen Sr. has dismissed claims that Verstappen’s career is being affected by fatherhood
When asked whether it was special to end the year like this, Verstappen Sr. replied: ‘One hundred percent. Of course, I already know what it feels like to become a grandfather, because Max’s sister Victoria already has three children. But in the end this is the most important thing in life. It is wonderful what Max performs on the track.
‘But starting a family, having children: that is a very wonderful experience. I think the summers are going to be beautiful. When we are all together, with all the children and grandchildren.’
Verstappen has won four Drivers’ World Championship titles and recorded back-to-back victories with Red Bull between 2021 and 2024. His latest victory 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 ends on Sunday with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.