"It's nice that Verstappen hasn't suddenly become an arrogant little man''

Verstappen blijft zichzelf

In 2018 and 2019, the Red Bull Racing driver was able to secure victory on the circuit that serves as the home base for his own team. The Red Bull Ring was a good hunting ground for the Dutchman, who has become increasingly popular in recent years. In that development to the top, however, he has always remained himself, according to Arie Luyendyk.

''What I like about him is that he hasn't suddenly become an arrogant little man now that he's being worn on his hands. Max can also be as happy after a race as a little boy with a victory. If you look at Lewis Hamilton, you don't see that at all'', says the Dutch Indy 500-winner of 1990 and 1997 to De Telegraaf.

VeeKay

With his highlights in America, Luyendyk looks forward to the first season of Rinus van Kalmthout in the IndyCar championship. ''Rinus is very cool and relaxed. He has achieved this on the basis of talent and also has everything to succeed in America. The season will start in Texas on an oval, which certainly won't be easy for him.''

The speeds on an oval can increase enormously and Luyendyk becomes increasingly aware of these risks in old age. ''I never used to care so much about safety in motorsport, but now that I'm getting older and more pissed off, I can see that it's much safer nowadays than it used to be. Then I sometimes realise how lucky I have been'', concludes the Dutch motorsport icon.