Max Verstappen was the center of attention during the Miami GP weekend, not only for his performance on the track but also because he recently became a father to his daughter, Lily. The news brought joy to drivers and team principals alike, but it was Yuki Tsunoda who truly embraced the moment with playful humor. Throughout the weekend, the Red Bull teammate cracked a series of baby-related jokes, culminating in a funny exchange during the driver’s parade, where Tsunoda asked Verstappen to treat him like a baby, highlighting Verstappen’s new “daddy” status.
The Miami GP, the first of three American races on the Formula 1 calendar, is a vibrant and star-studded event that attracts both fans and celebrities. This year, F1 added an entertaining twist by letting drivers race toy Lego cars around the circuit as part of a promotional deal with Lego. Tsunoda hopped into the passenger seat while Verstappen took the wheel, and the duo’s interaction quickly became a fan favorite. Known for teasing Verstappen with nicknames like “big daddy,” Tsunoda continued his playful banter, taking full advantage of Verstappen’s recent life change.
As Verstappen prepared to drive the Lego car, Tsunoda, the shortest driver on the grid, jokingly asked the Dutchman to treat him like a baby.
Now you have a baby. Treat me like a baby. I’m Lily, okay?
Tsunoda quipped, referencing Verstappen’s newborn daughter. The reigning world champion embraced the joke without hesitation, promising to drive carefully as if he had his own baby in the back.
Verstappen delivered on his promise with a cheeky grin, handling the Lego car with exaggerated caution before playfully racing erratically, much to the amusement of those watching. Their lighthearted exchange revealed the strong bond between the Red Bull teammates, who maintain a youthful spirit and sense of fun despite the high-pressure environment of Formula 1. Fans can expect more daddy and baby jokes from the two as the season continues.
Now you have a baby. Treat me like a baby.
I’ll drive you around like it’s my baby in the back.
The Miami GP itself saw McLaren dominate the race pace, with both of their drivers finishing comfortably ahead of the competition, more than 35 seconds clear of the third-place driver. Max Verstappen fought hard in the first half of the race, defending his position against McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, but ultimately had to settle for fourth place. His performance was hindered by a combination of the McLarens’ superior pace and unfortunate timing of a virtual safety car.
Verstappen candidly admitted that Red Bull was outmatched at Miami, acknowledging that overheating tires posed a significant challenge.
I think in general we are not on the same level as the McLarens and our tyres overheat way too much,
he said, reflecting on the team’s struggles to keep up with their rivals’ speed. Despite this, Verstappen remains determined to push hard and continue battling at the front with his signature aggressive driving style.
Looking forward, Verstappen is optimistic about closing the gap, aiming to bring the fight to the upcoming race at Imola. Currently lagging behind the McLaren drivers in the championship standings, the four-time world champion understands that both he and Red Bull must improve to stay competitive.
Red Bull faces a critical period where they need to make substantial improvements if they want to contend for victories consistently. Verstappen’s commitment has not waned despite his new responsibilities as a father, and his teammate Yuki Tsunoda is also contributing by maintaining team morale and scoring valuable points for the team. Tsunoda’s playful interactions with Verstappen serve as a reminder that even at the highest levels of competition, camaraderie and lightheartedness help keep the team spirit alive.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the Austrian team addresses their challenges and whether Verstappen and Tsunoda’s unique chemistry can inspire the performances needed to challenge the frontrunners. Their bond beyond the track adds a human touch to the intense world of Formula 1, making the sport even more captivating for fans around the world.
