Nico Hulkenberg has reacted to the information that he’s set to lose his standing as the one father on the F1 grid with Max Verstappen anticipating his first little one.
4-time world champion Verstappen is just not attending Thursday’s media day forward of this weekend’s Miami Grand Prix because of the anticipated start of his first little one with associate Kelly Piquet.
The information means Hulkenberg will now not maintain the title as being the one dad in F1.
The 37-year-old German has a daughter and was the one father-driver following the exits of former teammate Kevin Magnussen and Sergio Perez from F1 on the finish of 2024.
“It was a enjoyable undeniable fact that since Checo and Ok-Magazine left on the finish of final 12 months I used to be the one dad,” Hulkenberg mentioned.
“He’s becoming a member of that membership. I hope it’s an excellent sleeper! We’ve been fairly lucky and fortunate. A number of uncover. Many lovely and good issues that include that. I’m certain he’ll take pleasure in that.”
Hulkenberg was fast to dismiss the notion that F1 drivers get slower as soon as they’ve youngsters.
“Decide for your self. Take a look at the stats and what occurs,” Hulkenberg responded to that query.
“I feel everybody is clearly totally different however I can solely communicate for myself and personally I don’t really feel that’s the case.
“I really feel as soon as we step within the automotive, visor down, even for me, I are inclined to overlook what goes on exterior of the automotive as a result of we’re so targeted and pushed to carry out and maximise.
“I simply personally really feel it’s an additional benefit as a result of it’s given me a lot exterior of labor and being in Method 1.
“I’d even say it’s been useful for me if something.”
Lewis Hamilton reveals Max Verstappen chat
Seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton was amongst these to want his former title rival Verstappen all the very best as he prepares to grow to be a father.
“I simply want him all the very best. It’s such a particular factor. I spoke to him briefly in Saudi and noticed how excited he was and large congrats to him,” Hamilton mentioned.
In the meantime, Mercedes’ George Russell backed Verstappen to retain his aggressive edge regardless of the large change to his private life.
“We’re all professionals however it is a private a part of your life and for anyone who has had a child it’s a fairly particular second. All the very best to them,” he mentioned.
“I feel for many individuals I feel it most likely brings to your life. We’ve seen drivers previously win races, win championships who have gotten children.
“So I don’t see a change in something on his skilled stage.”
