Jos Verstappen expects exciting battle: 'It's incredibly close'

The support for Max Verstappen is overwhelming in Austria, as also his father Jos Verstappen notes. He thinks that the support of the fans might give the championship leader a small advantage, but he expects an exciting race.

Speaking to Viaplay, Verstappen said he was pleased with the huge support from the crowd. "It's amazing to see all the orange here. Nice to see that they give Max so much support," says the Dutchman. He even thinks it might provide his son with a home advantage, but does not think it will be a straightforward victory.

"You can see that it is very close. Maybe it's because of everything that's going on with Red Bull and the fans, and of course you need a good car, but I think it's going to be an exciting race. It's not straightforward," Verstappen concludes.

That Ferrari are close behind was evident during Saturday's sprint race, where Verstappen initially pulled away from rivals Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, who were preoccupied with each other. Had it not been for that internal duel, the drivers might have been able to make things difficult for the world champion.