Verstappen's victory in the Netherlands puts him in a unique position
- GPblog.com
Max Verstappen can join a unique list during the Dutch Grand Prix next Sunday. In the history of Formula 1 there have only been 33 drivers who won in their own country. Will Verstappen be able to do that this weekend in Zandvoort?
With the Dutch Grand Prix Verstappen has an official home race for the first time. Of course, the races in Belgium and Austria already felt like a home race to the fans, but Zandvoort is only the first official home race that Verstappen will drive. This immediately brings a new record insight, which is in the hands of his rival.
Unique series for Verstappen
Winning in your own country is not for everyone. First of all you need a good car, a Grand Prix in your own country and then that circuit has to suit your car as well. The combination of Red Bull Racing and Zandvoort seems ideal, and that gives Verstappen the chance to set a record. There is still a long way to go though.
To date, 33 drivers have been able to win at least once in their own country. Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel managed to win their home Grand Prix once (European GP in Germany doesn't count). Just like James Hunt, Niki Lauda, Damon Hill and René Arnoux.
The list of drivers who won twice is a bit smaller, namely nine. Among them are Ayrton Senna, Felipe Massa, Fernando Alonso and Nelson Piquet. All big names who won twice in their own country.
Overpowering Hamilton
Juan Manuel Fangio, Michael Schumacher and Nigel Mansell won their Grand Prix in their own country no less than four times, while Jim Clark and Alain Prost won five and six times respectively. There is always a boss above the boss though, as Lewis Hamilton won the British Grand Prix no less than eight times.
A victory on Sunday would therefore put Verstappen in a unique position, but the road to the top of this list is still long. Verstappen needs at least eight victories to knock Hamilton off his throne, but at 23 years of age he still has plenty of chances to do so.