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Max reacts to 'Verstappen Derby' result at Euro 2024
- Cas van de Kleut
Formula One fans tuning in to the game between the Netherlands and Austria had to listen to something strange. Because Austria were the 'allocated away team', the Austrian anthem was played first, not the Dutch one. For the second European Championships in a row, the 'Verstappen Derby' was played, but unlike in 2021, Austria won 3-2 this year.
Just last week, Verstappen and Red Bull top advisor Helmut Marko spoke to each other about the match. The three-time world champion was expecting a resounding victory for the Dutch team. Marko was slightly more conservative. The Austrian was going for a draw.
Verstappen on the game
The match was won by Austria. With next weekend's Grand Prix also being held on Red Bull Racing's home circuit, it was asking for comments about the Dutch team's slip-up. When asked about the match, Verstappen responded, "I knew this was coming, Jesus Chris!"
The Dutchman then continued: "I was very disappointed that we lost but actually, it put us on the right side [of the bracket]. I would say that the strongest teams are on the left side but still, you want to do well."
He continued: "I think Austria actually did really really well. They had a great formation. They played really well together. It’s great to see that it is not always on paper that the best team win. Also shows that there are a few surprises in these Euros so it's very difficult to judge. There have been a lot of draws as well between certain countries so honestly it's impossible to tell who's going to win. I would like Holland to do really well naturally but we we need to do better. We'll see it's exciting."