Helmut Marko reveals reason for Max Verstappen wanting a child

Helmut Marko revealed the reason behind Max Verstappen finally wanting to be a father to a child apart from racing in Formula 1.

Helmut Marko reveals reason for Max Verstappen wanting a child

Kelly Piquet and Max Verstappen (via Red Bull), Helmut Marko (in circle, via XPBimages)

Max Verstappen announced Kelly Piquet’s pregnancy over the final race weekend of the 2024 season. The Dutchman was delighted with the news and seemed ready to welcome the child. Verstappen will be a great dad as he is already a ‘bonus father’ to Piquet’s daughter Penelope.

The Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko might be the godfather of the child due to Max Verstappen’s close relationship with the former. The 81-year-old had previously joked about the kid coming into a family of ‘champion’ genes following Verstappen’s fourth championship win. Ahead of Piquet’s delivery, Marko revealed the reason why the Dutchman wanted his own kid.

YouTube video

Marko reckoned that Kelly Piquet bought her daughter into the relationship and Verstappen took care of her regardless. The 27-year-old’s love for children was evident from the great care he took of Penelope. As a result, the Austrian noted that these were the reasons that the reigning world champion wanted his own kid.

Kelly brought a child into their relationship and Max takes great care of this child. You can see his love for children and it explains why he now wants his own.

Helmut Marko told RTL

Max Verstappen will ‘prioritize’ racing in Formula 1 despite being a father

Max Verstappen often spends quality time with Kelly Piquet and Penelope during the off-season or summer breaks. Apart from this, the Dutchman keeps his head in the game and spends less time with family. Helmut Marko reassured that despite Verstappen being a father, he would prioritize racing in Formula 1. However, Marko acknowledged that during ‘exceptional circumstances’ the 27-year-old might put his family first.

I don’t think so. Max is really a family guy but racing is his priority and unless there are very exceptional circumstances that you don’t want to assume, I can’t imagine that.

Helmut Marko noted
Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen
Helmut Marko and Max Verstappen (Via: Imago)

Verstappen has kept up with performances in Formula 1 regardless of other issues. Hence, the Dutchman is likely to continue racing for a couple of more years before retiring. The reigning world champion will definitely be a great father as he is already taking great care of Penelope. The 27-year-old’s current priorities lie in practicing for the 2025 season and taking utmost care of Piquet.