Verstappen's friend predicts post baby performance: 'He doesn't change'

17:44, 01 May

Updated: 17:45, 01 May

byNorberto Mujica

Max Verstappen delayed his flight to Florida for the Miami Grand Prix, and as GPblog reported it was due to his first child's impending arrival. Now, the Dutchman's friend, fellow F1 driver, Gabriel Bortoleto has weighed in on whether Verstappen's 'racing driver' life will change after he becomes a father.

Although the child's birth has not yet been confirmed, speculation is plentiful. Red Bull's confirmation of the Dutchman's flight's delay which caused him to miss media day ahead of the Miami Grand Prix and their subsequent refraining of providing any further comments only fuled the rumours regarding the arrival of the baby.

Bortoleto expects a quicker 'poppa' Verstappen

Speaking on the paddock in Miami, the Sauber rookie, Gabriel Bortoleto replied to a question regarding any potential comments Verstappen may have made to him about his future fatherly life.

"No, I've not spoken to him in the last days, to be honest," said Bortoleto to media present at Miami including GPblog. "But I'm sure it will not change anything in his life being a father. I mean on the sense of a racing driver."

"He will not go slower, probably even quicker. He doesn't change, you know, his mentality is that one. To go for it."