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Jos Verstappen knew Max was a father already: 'I'm not stupid!'
- Corwin Kunst
Jos Verstappen is becoming a grandfather again. Max's younger sister, Victoria Verstappen, already has three children, but now the four-time world champion is also becoming a father for the first time. Verstappen Sr. is, of course, happy about this, dismissing the suggestion that fatherhood will slow down the Red Bull Racing driver.
"One hundred per cent," Jos Verstappen said when asked if it was special to end the year like this in an interview with De Telegraaf. "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, lol. 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."
There has been plenty of speculation in the media since Max's paternity was announced about its impact on the Dutchman's driving. Verstappen is aggressive on the track and will remain so, says the former Formula 1 driver. Even as he brings a baby into the world with his girlfriend, Kelly Piquet.
Jos Verstappen saw it coming:
"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." Verstappen. Sr concluded.
This article was written in collaboration with Toby Nixon.
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