Verstappen on pressure at Zandvoort: 'Wouldn't wish anyone to have that'
F1 News
- Cas van de Kleut
The Dutch Grand Prix is, of course, Max Verstappen's home race. Without the Dutchman, Circuit Zandvoort would never have returned to the Formula 1 calendar. Speaking to F1 TV, Verstappen talked about the pressure the Dutch Grand Prix brings.
In recent years, Verstappen has remained undefeated at Zandvoort. The Dutchman won all three races held in the Dutch dunes since its return in 2021. This year, it looks like he will have a tougher time winning. The three-time world champion will start from second place, with Lando Norris ahead of him in pole position.
How is the pressure for Verstappen at Zandvoort?
When Verstappen was asked about what it's like to be Max Verstappen at Zandvoort, he answered, "It's probably something that I wouldn't want to wish on anyone. It's very busy, but I like it. The attention is great. The fans are creating a great atmosphere. I like to be in Holland. The fans are, for me, of course, the best personally because of the atmosphere they just create and also what they do as an event by bringing all the music and it just feels nice."
Verstappen continued: "Seeing so much orange as well. My favourite colour is blue, but as a Dutch person, like orange, of course, with the national football team, like you grew up orange. It always gives me goosebumps when you are driving around."
Whether Verstappen experiences a lot of pressure? "l always try to do the best I can. And if that's my home Grand Prix or not, I just try to just take it in and just enjoy the atmosphere when you drive out of the pits. Just seeing them celebrating. Of course, naturally, if you have a good result as well, that helps a lot. But when you look back at it, you always need to try and enjoy it. More than putting pressure on you to try and perform."
Will Verstappen go faster at Zandvoort than usual?
Finally, when Verstappen was asked if he can also deliver a little extra at his home race, he answered, "I don't like to think like that, to be honest, because I want to be as fast in Spa than I want to be in Zandvoort because that would be, for me personally, I think that would be wrong that I suddenly pick up lap time just being at my home Grand Prix. Of course, I can say that and be nice to the fans, but I want to be honest, that's not how I think about it. I just like to enjoy it and see all the fans being happy. But for my personal view, my personal experience, it doesn't mean it's like being home or away."
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sarkozi
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