Helmut Marko laughs off idea of signing Max Verstappen’s future child to Red Bull junior academy

Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko laughed off the possibility of potentially signing Max Verstappen's kid in the team's junior academy. The Red Bull driver will be welcoming his first child with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet next year after they announced the news ahead of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Dutch driver currently resides in his apartment in Monaco with the Brazilian model and her daughter Penelope Kvyat, whose biological father is former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.

In his interview with Kleine Zeitung, Marko laughed off the possibility of signing Max Verstappen's future child into the driver academy and claimed that the kid would have great genes due to the racing lineage from both Verstappen and Piquet's side. He said:

"That's a bit far-fetched (laughs). But if the grandfather is a three-time world champion and the father a four-time world champion, then there must be a certain genetic potential. But we don't yet know whether it will be a boy or a girl, which ultimately doesn't matter. Fast women are just as in demand."

When asked about his wish on Christmas, the Austrian wished for another title for the 27-year-old, adding:

"That we win the fifth title with Max. So far we have won four titles with Sebastian Vettel and Max, so the fifth seems particularly difficult."

Max Verstappen gives his take on becoming a father for the first time

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen stated that becoming a father for the first time would not impact his racing approach going forward and claimed that he would not be taking a year off from the sport to spend time with the newborn.

As per Motorsport.com, the four-time F1 world champion said in Abu Dhabi:

"Honestly I have done it already, so it is not like it is completely new for me. Now it is my DNA, let’s say it like that, but I think it is absolutely fine and I know the baby will be in good hands anyway. So for me, you focus on your racing and then go back to your family. I never considered taking a year out. It is not on my mind."

When asked if he would be supportive of his kid's potential wish of following in his footsteps as a racing driver, he added:

"Well, if he or she wants to do it and I see that there is talent I would support it, of course, naturally. But I really hope not! No pressure, just live your life."

He also jokingly referenced that he would be accumulating enough penalty points so that he could his race ban when the baby would be born next year. Max Verstappen is currently on eight penalty points and could face a race ban if he gets 12 penalty points.