Hamilton congratulates Verstappen: 'I saw how excited he was when we talked'
Lewis Hamilton and George Russell at the Miami Grand Prix. Photo: Race Pictures
Updated: 01:21, 02 May 2025
2 Comments
Kada Sárközi joined GPblog as an editor ahead of the 2023 Formula 1 season. He graduated with a BA in Sports Journalism in the UK and has covered Grands Prix and other F1 events live.
Max Verstappen is not present at the Miami media day this Thursday, is because of him and Kelly Piquet expecting their first child together. The Dutchman's rivals on track, Lewis Hamilton and George Russell both wished the defending world champion the best.
After Nico Hulkenberg, the only father on the F1 grid, to give some advice to Verstappen, Hamilton and Russell were also asked about the Dutchman becoming a father.
The seven-time world champion began: "I just wish him all the best. It's an amazing, such a special thing."
Hamilton also added that he already saw during the last Grand Prix weekend how much Verstappen is looking forward to the birth of his first child. "So I spoke to him briefly in Saudi and saw how excited he was and big congrats to him."
Russell doesn't expect a slower Verstappen
ADVERTISEMENT
"I think we're all professionals, but this is a personal part of your life. And I guess for anybody who's had a kid, it's a pretty special moment. All the best to them. And as Nico [Hulkenberg] said, I think for many people, it probably brings things to your life. I know what it's like when I see my nieces and nephews, they're not my kids, but they bring me so much joy when I spend time with them," Russell began.
About the myth that F1 drivers become slower after becoming parents, the Mercedes driver does not see that happening to Verstappen.
"You've seen drivers in the past win championship, win races, who have got kids, so I don't see a change in anything on his professional level," he concluded.
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on GoogleRead more about:
latest news
Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 12.06.26
Practice 1
11:30 AM
Practice 2
03:00 PM
Saturday 13.06.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 14.06.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 12.06.26
Practice 1
Fri 11:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 03:00 PM
Saturday 13.06.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 14.06.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
Times are in your local timezone
Rumors
Popular on GPBlog
1
This is what Verstappen’s new €70 million home looks like
1920 times read
2
Hamilton stuns in Barcelona with bold new look as Leclerc suffers kit blunder
1518 times read
3
Russell told Spanish GP is make-or-break: 'If he doesn't beat Kimi, it's over. No World Championship'
1056 times read
4
Wolff warned 'it would be crazy' to sign Verstappen after Antonelli's rapid rise
967 times read
F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 156 | |
2 | FerrariFER | 90 | |
3 | MercedesMER | 88 | |
4 | FerrariFER | 75 | |
5 | McLarenMCL | 60 | |
6 | McLarenMCL | 58 | |
7 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 43 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 29 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 26 | |
10 | AlpineALP | 26 |
Loading
