The Formula 1 weekend in Miami kicked off with a bang for Max Verstappen, who sensationally claimed pole position for the Miami Grand Prix. The four-time world champion once again demonstrated why he is considered one of the greatest talents in the history of the sport. With a flawless lap, he left the competition, including McLaren drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, behind. Verstappen’s performance comes at a particularly special moment, as he recently became a father for the first time, welcoming his daughter Lily with his partner Kelly Piquet. This personal milestone seems to have sharpened his focus on the track.
The qualifying session in Miami was anything but easy. During the free practices, McLaren dominated, particularly thanks to their strong pace on the medium and hard tires. Initially, Red Bull seemed to struggle in finding the right setup, but the team made crucial adjustments to Verstappen’s RB21. His race engineer, Gianpiero Lambiase, played a key role in this process by making strategic choices about the setup and tire strategy. Verstappen himself emphasized how important this collaboration was after the session: “We tried a lot of things, but in the end, we found the perfect balance. The car felt amazing in Q3, and that gave me the confidence to go all out.” His fastest lap was just a fraction quicker than Piastri’s, which shows how close the competition is this season.
What makes this pole position even more special is the emotional weight behind it. Jos Verstappen, Max’s father and former Formula 1 driver, was present in Miami and spoke with great pride about his son’s achievement. In an interview with Viaplay, Jos referred to Max’s success as a “great father Max story.” He was referring not only to Max’s on-track performance but also to the unique bond between father and son that has connected them since Max’s karting days. “I’ve always known Max had something special,” said Jos. “From the moment he got in a kart at the age of four, I knew he was going to conquer the world. But what he’s doing now, especially after becoming a father, is incredible. Red Bull and Max are creating a story that will be told for many years.”
Jos’s words strike a chord, especially because he himself played a crucial role in Max’s career. As a mentor and coach, he guided Max through the early years of his motorsport career, often imparting strict but valuable lessons. This dynamic has shaped Max into the relentless and focused driver he is today. However, a softer side of him has emerged since the birth of Lily. Verstappen shared a heartwarming message on Instagram: “Our hearts are fuller than ever. Lily is our greatest gift.” This personal milestone seems to provide him with extra motivation to continue dominating in Formula 1.
On the track, Verstappen faces a challenging race. McLaren has proven to be a formidable opponent this season, and the Miami Grand Prix is known for its unpredictability. In previous editions, no driver has ever won from pole position, which increases the pressure on Verstappen. Moreover, Red Bull is struggling with the inconsistency of Yuki Tsunoda, Max’s teammate, which means the team is lagging behind McLaren in the constructors’ championship. Nevertheless, Verstappen remains optimistic: “We have a fast car and a good strategy. If we stay sharp, we can win.”
The Miami Grand Prix promises to be a spectacle, not only due to the battle for victory but also because of the emotional significance surrounding Verstappen. His pole position is a testament to his unparalleled talent and mental strength, while his father Jos’s words underscore the deeper meaning of his success. For the fans, this is more than just a race; it’s a new chapter in the “great father Max story” that Red Bull and Verstappen are writing together. As the lights go out at the Miami International Autodrome, the world will be watching to see how Max continues to build his legacy — as a driver, as a world champion, and now also as a proud father.
