Helmut Marko rubbishes Max Verstappen fatherhood claim

Red Bull motorsport advisor Helmut Marko has rubbished claims that becoming a father will slow Max Verstappen down but instead make him "two-tenths faster".

Marko's comments came after the reigning world champion secured pole position for the Miami Grand Prix, his third pole in the opening six races. 

Again, Verstappen stunned pole favourites McLaren, who could not respond to a sudden discovery of pace in the final part of qualifying by the Dutchman. 

Securing pole made up for a disappointing sprint race, with Red Bull having released Verstappen from a pit stop directly into the path of Kimi Antonelli, triggering a 10-second time penalty.

Marko put Verstappen's pole entirely down to the 27-year-old, who made one crucial change from sprint qualifying.

"Max made the difference," Marko told Sky DE. "We warmed up the tyres slightly differently and he made no mistakes. When everything comes together, we can even be in front of the McLaren.

"It's about keeping the tyres alive. That's what he did. In qualifying for the sprint we warmed up the tyres too sharply and then there was no grip. Now it worked 100 percent, even in sector three."

Since arriving in the paddock at the Miami International Autodrome on Friday following the birth of his daughter, Lily, Verstappen has been seen with a smile on his face. 

Marko has noticed this, and does not believe now being a father has had any impact on his pace, at least not in a negative way.

"He is extremely relaxed and enjoying it," revealed Marko. "He showed pictures of the little one, with the dog and the cat. 

"He is happy and you can tell. Max is not three-tenths slower, but two-tenths faster!"