Red Bull chief comments on possible racing repercussions of Max Verstappen becoming a father in 2025

Max Verstappen is expecting his first child with girlfriend Kelly Piquet in 2025, with some fans suggesting that he could become slower after becoming a father. However, Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has dismissed the concerns with his candid take.

Verstappen, the newly crowned four-time world champion, is approaching a critical year in 2025. On the professional front, he will be tasked with regaining Red Bull's lost dominance with his new teammate, Liam Lawson. On the other hand, in his personal life, the Dutch driver will embrace parenthood as Kelly Piquet is pregnant with the couple's first child.

Meanwhile, amid worries about Verstappen's pace taking a hit after becoming a father, Marko has dismissed the possibility of it affecting his race pace. Talking to Sport1.de, he said:

"It is generally said that after the arrival of the first child, you can easily go three-tenths slower. That would mean that Max would come within reach of some of the other top drivers, but he would still be a bit above them. From that point of view, there is no problem." (via Racingnews365).

Verstappen has been in a relationship with Kelly Piquet for several years now. The couple is raising the model's first daughter from her previous relationship, Penelope.

The 2025 season could likely throw steep challenges at Red Bull Racing. McLaren has promised to maintain its upward trajectory, having recently won the constructors' title. Moreover, the inexperience of Liam Lawson could hurt Red Bull if he is unable to meet the high expectations.

Moreover, Verstappen distinctly stated in his interview with De Telegraaf that if Red Bull fails to improve the car's shortcomings, he won't be able to defend his championship in the 2025 season.

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Max Verstappen advocates for change in RB21 livery

Max Verstappen calls for change in Red Bull livery (Image Source: Getty)

Four-time world champion Max Verstappen voiced his support for a fresh change to the livery of the 2025 season challenger RB21. Red Bull has maintained the blue matte color and avoided experimenting with the livery in the 2024 season to cut down weight. However, Verstappen feels the need for a change.

"The livery, I hope it's a bit different. I was actually talking about it today, I actually really like these cars as well [pointing at older Red Bulls behind him, ed.] with the shiny color. We've had so many matte-blue cars, but I think sometimes it's just nice to spice it up a little bit," Max Verstappen said on the Talking Bulls podcast (via Planet F1).

All 10 teams will come together in London for a collective livery launch on February 18. F1 organized the special event to celebrate the 75-year anniversary of the sport.