Jos Verstappen has claimed that he predicted that 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 post across their Instagram accounts, the couple – with their faces out of shot – posed with their hands over 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 before he even told him, especially after he won the Brazilian Grand Prix after starting from 17th on the grid.
In addition, he dismissed suggestions that having a child could potentially be a distraction with regards to Verstappen’s career or that he could retire.
Jos Verstappen has claimed that he predicted that Max Verstappen would become 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 told De 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 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 I only have to look at him.
‘For him, I am very happy. Of course, there are some things involved, but he has to experience all that.
‘Last week, his mother and Victoria were there in Qatar. He told them there, too. That made the week extra special. I also love seeing how Max and Victoria interact. They have a very close relationship.’
Max’s younger sister Victoria already has three children and Jos is delighted that he will have another grandchild.
Asked whether it was special to end the year like this, Jos said: ‘One hundred per cent. Of course, I already know how it feels 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’s wonderful what Max achieves on the circuit.
‘But building a family, having children: that’s really beautiful to experience. I think the summers are going to be wonderful. When we are all together then, with all the children and grandchildren.’
Verstappen has won four F1 world titles, securing successive victories from 2021 to 2024 with Red Bull. His latest triumph was confirmed after he finished ahead of Lando Norris in Las Vegas last month. In total, Verstappen has won 63 races across ten seasons.
The F1 season is set to come an end on Sunday with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.