The Dutch Grand Prix is Max Verstappen‘s home race.
Without him, Circuit Zandvoort wouldn’t be on the Formula 1 calendar. Recently, Verstappen shared his thoughts about the pressure of racing at home.
Verstappen has won all three races at Zandvoort since its return in 2021. This year might be tougher; he starts in second place with Lando Norris on pole.
How is the pressure for Verstappen at Zandvoort?
When asked about being Max Verstappen at Zandvoort, he said, “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.” He loves being in Holland and appreciates the fans’ energy and music.
He added, “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.”
Does he feel a lot of pressure? “I 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,” he explained. Seeing fans celebrate helps him perform better but enjoying the moment is more important than feeling pressured.
Will Verstappen go faster at Zandvoort than usual?
When asked if he can deliver extra speed at his home race, Verstappen replied, “I don’t like to think like that… I want to be as fast in Spa as in Zandvoort because that would be wrong that I suddenly pick up lap time just being at my home Grand Prix.” He wants to be honest with fans and enjoys seeing them happy but doesn’t believe being at home makes him faster.
Fans might think this news shows how grounded he is.
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What do you think about Verstappen’s approach?
