Hakkinen praises Verstappen: 'He wasn't fooled by anything'

With a victory in his home race, the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years, Max Verstappen took back the lead in the world championship from Lewis Hamilton on Sunday. According to former Formula 1 driver Mika Hakkinen the Dutchman had a perfect weekend at Zandvoort.

Fantastic to attend Dutch Grand Prix

In his column for Unibet, the 1998 and 1999 world champion starts with praise for the organizers of the Dutch Grand Prix. "It was really fantastic to attend the Dutch Grand Prix and witness the amazing support the local fans gave to their hero Max Verstappen. To have a Dutch driver on the top step of the podium at the Dutch Grand Prix was really something special. He drove the perfect weekend and the Dutch fans went crazy! It was great to see and hear."

According to Hakkinen, the modifications to the circuit have worked out well. "There is no time to relax during the lap and many of the drivers enjoyed the challenge. Overtaking was difficult, but Sergio Perez showed that it is possible. I'm sure the FIA, F1 and Zandvoort will look at the data and decide if they can extend the DRS zones next year."

Red Bull has the best car

According to Hakkinen, the race at Zandvoort made it clear that Verstappen still has the best car. "Mercedes put up a good fight. Lewis and Valtteri Bottas did everything they could to find a strategy that would put them ahead of Max. In the end there was nothing they could do to catch the Red Bull."

In addition, Verstappen was also rock solid. "What is clear is that he has the confidence and focus needed to win this world championship. There was a lot of pressure on him this weekend, but he didn't let anything get him down."

Verstappen in line of world champions

Hakkinen also touched on the departure of his fellow countryman Kimi Raikkonen from Formula 1 at the end of this season. "His departure from the sport means that only Lewis, Fernando and Sebastian Vettel remain as world champions, but unless Mercedes can find some extra speed, I think Max will soon join that list!"