Verstappen aims for victory at Zandvoort: 'That would be fantastic'

Max Verstappen will drive the Dutch Formula 1 Grand Prix for the first time this weekend. For the first time in 36 years the race in Zandvoort is back on the calendar, and is talk to De Telegraaf Verstappen about this exceptional situation.

After a victory in Belgium that was achieved after a few laps behind the safety car, Verstappen is preparing for a second home race. This time he will compete in the Netherlands, where a lot of effort has gone into the return of the Dutch GP. Max has played an important role in this with his performance.

Verstappen wants to win in the Netherlands

''I'm really looking forward to it and I hope we can make it a great weekend. Of course, I hope the track turns completely orange. It hasn't happened in Zandvoort for such a long time. I never expected this myself until a few years ago'', says Verstappen.

''It would be fantastic to win on a home circuit, but it has to be a bit of a challenge. With so many fans in the stands you always want to do well as a driver. But it would be crazy for me to say that I am more eager for a result now. That would not be right. I try to get the most out of every weekend''.

All the orange is obviously very conspicuous on television, but those who think Verstappen does not notice how much support there is for him on various circuits are wrong. The Dutchman does notice that the stands are packed with people wearing orange shirts.

Madness in Zandvoort

''I certainly get what happens around me. There are enough straights on circuits to take a look around. And in slow laps during practice and qualifying as well. I hope to see a lot of orange on the grandstands and in the dunes. And a lot of smoke bombs, like we saw in Austria.''

Yet Verstappen's approach to this weekend will not be very different to any other weekend. ''I'm not going to do much more than during other weekends. The most important thing is that I perform well in the car. What happens around it, is secondary. Certain things have to happen because of sponsor obligations, but for the rest I won't do anything crazy.''