Max Verstappen punches back at 'silly' critics

Max Verstappen has punched back at "silly" critics claiming that having a baby will make him slower, after securing a staggering pole position for the Miami Grand Prix. 

The reigning world champion missed media day at the Miami International Autodrome following the birth of his and Kelly Piquet's baby girl, Lily. 

Since Verstappen announced he was set to become a father, the Dutchman has faced claims that it will slow him down, something he completely disagrees with. 

He proved this by stunning McLaren, who entered qualifying as the hot favourites. Missing media day allowed Verstappen some time with his daughter, putting him in an excellent mindset.

"It's been good to be able to spend a few days at home before coming here," Verstappen told media including RacingNews365. 

"When she's just born, you want to make sure everything is OK. Clearly it didn't make me slower as well, being a dad. So that's the positive. 

"We can throw that out of the window as well for people mentioning it. And yeah, when I was here, honestly, yeah, just quite fluent. Anyway, I'm in contact a lot with my girlfriend throughout the day.

"So, you know, getting pictures and FaceTime a bit. It's always there. But now one more member in the family."

Verstappen has not paid any attention to the claims regarding having a baby slowing him down. 

He explained after securing pole that several drivers became world champion after having kids, leaving him confused about where the claims have been created.

"Yeah, I don’t really listen to these kind of silly things," added Verstappen. "Just do my thing. 

"I think there are enough racing drivers in the past that have been world champion even after having kids, you know? So I don't even know where that comes from."