F1 analysts astonished by Verstappen: 'You could smash into the wall'
Co-author:Norberto Mujica
Marnik Kok caught the Formula 1 world around twenty years ago. A deep passion for motorsport, Ferrari, and a background in journalism led him to contribute to various (international) F1 platforms. Since 2020, Marnik has been active as an editor and journalist in the pinnacle of motorsport for several media outlets, including De Telegraaf. As of 2025, he brings that experience to GPblog as a seasoned editor.
During his active years as a journalist — now working as a freelancer — Marnik attended numerous events, with the Dutch Grand Prix standing out as one of the highlights. In addition to his work at GPblog, Marnik is also active in the communications sector at a major national provider and steps in wherever needed. Sitting still is not an option — especially not in motorsport!
Following the Dutch Grand Prix, Max Verstappen's move at the start of the race is analyzed once again on Ziggo Sport . A splendid action, Robert Doornbos and Renger van der Zande agree.
Verstappen managed to squeeze between the McLaren drivers at the start of the Zandvoort race by taking a different racing line and diving low into the first banked turn, almost losing control of his car.
The fact that this allowed him to temporarily claim the second spot at the start of the race, without crashing, was a stunning maneuver according to the Dutch analysts.
"If you can save it, in that way!", exclaims Doornbos, reflecting on the moment.
Verstappen almost lost control of the car, but suddenly he was splitting the McLarens, with a little help from the banking.
ADVERTISEMENT
"You keep it steady, then you hit the dirt and the fact that he then shoots up and holds it, is truly all in", continues Doornbos. "This gentleman is taking risks."
"The banking helped him, but he went onto the grass with oversteer on two wheels. There are few drivers who can handle that.
"You also have to take risks with the red tyre, otherwise you don't benefit from that strategy, but this was all or nothing", says Doornbos, referring to the differing tyre strategies between Verstappen and the McLaren drivers.
'Verstappen thought: I'm going FULL send'
Renger van der Zande, like Doornbos, was stunned by Verstappen's move.
ADVERTISEMENT
Many drivers would have crashed, but Verstappen temporarily gained the second place.
Later he still finished with P2, but this was due to Lando Norris retiring later in the race - earlier he had been overtaken quite easily.
Van der Zande looks back: "He hit the dust and thought: I'm just going FULL send in that banking.
"On the softer tyre. He was like: 'I have the grip, I'm making that move', and then he goes over the grass.
"Oversteer... for all you know, you could just smash into the barrier!", he concludes.
ADVERTISEMENT
Read also
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on Google
