Verstappen shares excitement over becoming a father

Max Verstappen has shared how excited he is to become a father next year, following his and partner Kelly Piquet's announcement that they are expecting their first child together. 

The four-time world champion and Piquet broke the news at the end of F1 season, ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 

It will be Verstappen and Piquet's first baby together, whilst the latter has a five-year-old daughter, Penelope, with former F1 driver Daniil Kvyat. 

Despite this, the 27-year-old has built a strong relationship with Penelope over the last four years, which the Dutchman believes has slightly prepared him for his own child.

"Yeah, it's super exciting, of course," Verstappen said on the Talking Bulls podcast. "Luckily, I did get a little bit of training with Penelope.

"Seeing her grow up really for like, four years, which has been also really, really nice. 

"But yeah, for sure, when it's like, going to be fully your own, it's going to be different challenge, but I'm looking forward to it."

Whilst appearing on the podcast, the host joked that Verstappen has already agreed a contract with Red Bull team principal Christian Horner for his first child. 

However, Verstappen has revealed that he does not want his son or daughter to go into racing, and would instead push for a career elsewhere.  

"I need to speak to Christian about that," joked Verstappen, "because I actually don't want he or she to go into racing. 

"Maybe a different role in the team. Maybe he or she can design future cars or whatever. I mean, yeah, you never know, right?"