Verstappen Slams ‘Unacceptable’ Performance Despite P2 Finish

Max Verstappen claimed second place at the Dutch Grand Prix in what turned out to be a bittersweet result for the Red Bull driver.

For most of the race, Verstappen looked destined for third at his home event in Zandvoort. His luck changed when Lando Norris‘ car developed an oil leak in the closing laps, forcing the British driver to retire. This unexpected twist moved Verstappen up to second, with Isack Hadjar surprisingly taking the final podium position.

“Of course, I’m very happy to be on the podium,” Verstappen told Viaplay after the race. “But in terms of pace, things weren’t going well at all.”

The reigning champion was brutally honest about his performance.

“I think we were only in third place because of our qualifying position, not because of our actual race pace.”

After the restarts, Verstappen couldn’t keep up with the McLarens, leading him to a stark conclusion.

“The McLarens are on another level. I can’t even compare myself to them.”

He admitted to struggling throughout the entire race, highlighting a particularly concerning issue.

“I was actually having to fight for pace with our sister team. That’s not supposed to happen.”

What seemed to frustrate Verstappen most was Hadjar’s ability to match his pace.

“That’s not good,” he said bluntly. “The car simply isn’t quick enough.”

The technical limitations became especially obvious in the high-speed sections of the track.

“I have to play it very safe on those fast corners, while everyone else is going full throttle in turns 7 and 8. I still just didn’t have grip,” Verstappen explained. “It was better in qualifying for one lap, but this car hasn’t been good in races this season.”

## Verstappen jokes with Norris

During the race, Verstappen opted for an alternative tire strategy. He later explained this was because he had no grip on the hard tires during Friday’s practice sessions.

“Other teams can manage it, but we just can’t,” he said.

After briefly praising Hadjar’s podium finish and thanking the enthusiastic Dutch crowd, Verstappen shared a lighthearted moment with Norris who had joined him for post-race interviews.

Verstappen jokingly asked if Norris would have a new engine for the next race. The McLaren driver responded by imitating the sound of a speeding car, presumably referring to a fresh power unit.

Norris then quipped that he had hoped Verstappen would crash into the wall during turn 2 of the opening lap.

Both drivers laughed at the exchange, showing their friendly rivalry despite the on-track competition.