Verstappen recently became the father of a daughter, Lily, together with girlfriend Kelly Piquet. In the run-up to the Miami Grand Prix, the Dutchman was able to spend a few days with his family, as he indicated in a conversation with GPblog in the paddock of the Miami International Autodrome. There, he also stated he does not believe that fatherhood will have any effect on him as a driver.

Steiner, who sat down for an exclusive interview with GPblog, feels exactly the same way. “First of all, congratulations obviously to Max,” he begins. “I don't think it will affect his life. Max will be Max. Obviously, he will spend time with his family, but he can manage that, I think. It's not a problem. He will not be letting go on racing or anything.”

As an example, the former F1 team boss points to the lap that Verstappen set in qualifying for the Miami GP, with which he clinched pole position.

“Maybe the opposite happens to him, you know? He's looking now, he thinks of the future of his daughter as well. So I've seen him faster,” he laughs. “No, I don't think he will affect him at all.”

Thus, Steiner expresses similar sentiments as Mario Andretti, who also does not believe that fatherhood will have any effect on Verstappen as a driver. In an exclusive interview with GPblog, the racing legend, like Steiner, mentioned that the reigning world champion will likely become faster rather than slower. He also discussed the possibility of Lily Verstappen eventually becoming a world champion in Formula 1.