MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Anyone who thought fatherhood could slow Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen would have been seriously disappointed on Saturday as the Dutch hit another exceptional pole position.
After a messy sprint race early in the day, Verstappen put things right on Saturday afternoon, snatching a pole 0.065 seconds away from McLaren’s Randnoris on a circuit that loops around Hard Rock Stadium. Normal business for 4-time world champions.
Appetizing prospects of rain – Barstappen’s extraordinary talent approaches superhero territory – the second victory of the season doesn’t look like an unfair prediction to enter Sunday’s Grand Prix. For all McLaren talks so far this year, Verstappen still feels like a genuine title contender, and Sunday’s victory will solidify it.
The pole position on Saturday helped to dispel what was being talked about this week. The 27-year-old arrived in Miami Thursday night, resulting in media day being lost after the birth of his daughter, Lily, along with girlfriend Kelly Piquet. One motor strope means that the arrival of the driver’s first child can come on track and come in exchange for a number of lap times.
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“Obviously, it didn’t slow me down being a father, so it’s positive,” Verstappen said. “So, for the people who mention it, you can throw it out the window.”
It’s a worn-out cliché. Those who have been pushing it recently were happy to point out a 2005 quote from Verstappen’s van Fernando Alonso after his famous move surrounding the outside of Michael Schumacher in the relentless 130R corner of Suzuka. “He knew he would put the brakes on because he had his wife and two children at home,” the young Alonso said proudly afterwards. It was a classic reaction that came from youthful vibrancy.
Twenty years later, in media duties ahead of this weekend’s race, Alonso laughs off the quote and says he doesn’t think it’s true anymore. But the story lies outside of that one Alonso’s comment.
“I’ve never really heard anything stupid like this. I’m just doing my thing,” Verstappen said. “I think there are enough race drivers in the past who were world champions even after giving birth to a child. Honestly, I don’t know where this came from.”
In addition to Saturday afternoon qualifying laps, History also supports Verstappen points. Lily’s grandfather, Nelson Piquet, is one of the drivers who won the championship after becoming his father. Schumacher, Graham Hill, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Nico Rosberg did the same thing.
Verstappen’s focus is clearly unaffected. He said at a press conference “a little bit on the photos and FaceTime,” but said it wouldn’t be surprising to drivers who were new to the gaming session the night before, when victory in an F1 race could have been the exact same driver.
Those who suggested that it might be different could probably chalk it into wishful thinking.
After the birth of his daughter, Max Verstappen attacked Paul’s position in Miami on Saturday. Bryn Lennon – F1/F1 via Getty Images
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All dad talk is in the front row. Verstappen vs Norris is the front row that’s used to seeing in 2024. Fireworks often continued.
Norris had admitted that he managed to win the sprint race a few hours ago. This unfolded when it was unfolded in the perfect moment to hug him ahead of his teammates and championship leader Oscar Piastri. 12 months ago, the safety car helped defeat Verstappen for Maiden F1’s victory at the same venue.
“My luck in Miami seems pretty good at the moment, so I’m happy,” Norris said after the sprint. By contrast, Piastri said he would not buy the lottery ticket in South Florida anytime soon.
Luck is also relative, and there may be various ways to interpret whether Norris continued his qualifying session on Saturday. Paul may not have been due to a slump in turn 17 at the end of his very important Q3 lap, but he is relieved by the fact that his Australian teammate starts in fourth and isn’t too high.
Verstappen will be hard to beat, but given the story around Norris’ recent wobble, finishing ahead of Piastri makes it seem like this weekend is more important.
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Of course, all of that ignores other drivers that stand out on Saturday.
Antonelli’s big weekend
The Friday evening sprint pole thrill quickly disappeared for Andrea Akimian Tonelli, who had stayed on the muscle from the lead on turn 1 by Piastri on Saturday afternoon. A clash with Verstappen in the pit lane caused him to drop more orders.
However, that set-off didn’t slow him down in qualifying, and his third position was an impressive way to respond. Antonelli has already been impressed with five races as a rookie, but this was his first weekend when he was consistently faster than his teammate George Russell.
Antoneri already has some “youngest” records in his name – on Friday he became the youngest driver to claim poles for all kinds of Formula 1 events. The man who owns many of the other “youngest” awards continues to get better in favor of the Mercedes sense.
“I’m not surprised,” Verstappen said when Espun asked what he thought of Antoneri’s rookie and his performance in Miami. “There’s a lot to learn when I’m just starting out with Formula 1. It’s really impressive to be at this pace already, but I’m not surprised. He’s only getting better. I’m honestly just as easy as that.”
Asked the same question, Norris joked, “I think I’ve given him enough ego!”
Norris added: [Hamilton] If he can beat that teammate now in the last few years, then he’s George. [Russell] – Then he clearly does a very good job. ”
Upon hearing the comments of the two drivers, Antoneli lifted the microphone and said, “Too kind!”
