Verstappen hopes repeat of '21 avoided: 'Hopefully not'

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verstappen spa thursday preview
27 July 2023 at 14:33

Max Verstappen keeps fond memories of the Belgian Grand Prix. For the past two years, the Red Bull Racing driver has been the fastest at the longest circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. Spa-Francorchamps is his favourite track and he hopes Red Bull can find a good compromise between dry and wet conditions, because where there could be a lot of rain in the first two days, the forecast for Sunday is slightly better.

The RB19 impressed on Sunday in Hungary and last season the Red Bull also went very well at the Belgian circuit. It makes Verstappen hopeful for a good result this weekend. In Hungary, Verstappen won the Grand Prix, although little remained of the trophy.

Lando Norris lied as the handmade cup thundered off the podium, leaving shards. "I haven't spoken about it. I mean, we're getting a new one, they’re making a new one, so I honestly don't know what's happening with the broken one. Maybe I can send it to Lando," laughed the Red Bull driver.

'Hopefully not like 2021'

"We know that the car is quick and hopefully we can find a good compromise between possible rain or dry on Sunday," Verstappen interjected to Sky Sports. Whether the two-time world champion has any concerns about the spray and potentially limited visibility as a result? "I mean the visibility is of course going to be very tough. Of course, it’s more, the more you are behind, but hopefully that we can run, hopefully it's not like too much rain like 21," said the two-time world champion, referring to the 2021 race.

Due to rain, the Grand Prix could not be run and the drivers drove several laps behind the safety car before being flagged off. The Dutchman is not extra concerned about his safety at Spa-Francorchamps, where there have been two fatal accidents in recent years. "I mean, it's always a thing, safety, but it can be on any track," he said.