What is it like for a driver to race at home? Red Bull junior explains

Since the beginning of this year, Emely de Heus has been part of the Red Bull Driver Academy. This ensures that, among other things, she is allowed to use the simulator in Milton Keynes. So this is what she did in preparation for Zandvoort. ''I regularly drive on the simulator at Red Bull. Now this week just before the race I don't go, because I already know Zandvoort and I have also driven in the Eurocup,'' the 21-year-old says.

Competing in other class like the Eurocup is part of her preparation. ''So I did another class and then I drive a higher class, but then I still try to get to know the track. The car is slightly different, but basically you gain more driving experience and see how the race goes at Zandvoort. I try to be busy as much as possible, also in other categories. I just keep driving.''

What is it like for a driver to drive a home race?

De Heus says that the weekend in the Dutch seaside resort is a lot busier than other weekends in terms of media commitments, for example. Still, the Dutch are not too worried about that yet and see it through. What does cause some excitement is the number of people from her circle coming to watch her.

"It is actually the first time for me that my friends are coming to watch. They normally watch from home, but now I did invite a really big group. They will then watch Formula 1 at the grandstand as well. I also like the fact that they are coming to watch me. Normally I always say that I never like it when my friends come, because then I am unnoticed by them. Then they walk around the car all the time and I feel like I have to entertain them. But now they can also watch Formula 1, so now there is a bit more to do. Then I have a bit more rest and then I also do something nice for them. Then they can also watch, because I also want to show my friends what I do of course. My family also comes to watch of course.''

For the rest, De Heus says racing at Zandvoort is enjoyable. She does not have to travel far and will not suffer from jet lag. She knows her way around and her culture prevails in the Netherlands. Last year, the MP Motorsport driver finished second at the Zandvoort race. For this year, she especially does not want to 'jinx it ' beforehand.

"Of course, I want a podium. I also took a podium here last year. In Barcelona last year, I had also won. I thought I would do that again, but then I came sixth. So I do want to hope. I don't want to jinx it. So I'll just go for the top five. That's my main goal, actually," De Heus said.

This article has been written in collaboration with Ben Stevens.