Max Verstappen's father, Jos Verstappen, is confident that becoming a parent won't slow down the four-time Formula 1 world champion.
"No, that's bullsh*t," Jos told the Dutch publication De Telegraaf after the announcement that Max's partner, Kelly Piquet, is expecting a child.
Max, 27, confirmed the news during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, noting that Kelly already has a daughter from her relationship with ex-F1 driver Daniil Kvyat.
"I will continue to do my hobbies, but I also know that I will sometimes have less time for them," Max said with a smile.
When asked about the possibility of taking a sabbatical for paternity leave, Max dismissed the idea. "I have never considered taking a year off, to be honest," he said.
Jos Verstappen believes that fatherhood might even serve as further motivation for his son.
"I think if anything, it only motivates," Jos remarked. "I didn't have any trouble with it either.
"And Max has known for a while now that he is going to be a father. It hasn't bothered him at all. Look at how he won the race in Brazil. He knew then, and so did I."
This season, while ending with Max's fourth consecutive drivers' title, was a challenging one due to a less competitive Red Bull car, internal disputes, and significant team departures.
Jos Verstappen was closely involved in these controversies.
"It was a less fun year than usual with all the troubles surrounding the team," he admitted.
Team advisor Dr Helmut Marko has assured fans that these issues are now "resolved".
Jos, however, acknowledged the changes brought by the turmoil, including Adrian Newey's departure. "It was logical that people would leave because of all the fuss," said the 52-year-old. "And that it would also have an effect on performance. That goes hand in hand."
Jos defended his involvement in disputes with team boss Christian Horner, emphasising that leadership has a direct impact on Max.
"Of course I got involved," Jos said. "I see it all happening and I think I am in a position to say something about it. I will never harm Max, of course. But I look at the bigger picture.
"Ultimately, I stand behind everything I said. In the end, Helmut Marko seems to have more say again, and that is a good thing in my opinion. The team is growing closer together again.
"But I have the feeling that the team has to prove itself again. They have to show that they are still fast. That is also how Max sees it.
"The pressure is on and that is how it should be," Jos added. "It is up to the team to show that they have kept the right people and can build a fast car again."
