These circuits should get a 'special' status according to Verstappen

12:31, 19 Jun

byOlly Darcy

Speaking on his favourite tracks that he has raced around, Max Verstappen said that certain circuits should have a "special status".

The four-time world champion is generally known to be a fan of old school circuits, with Spa-Francorchamps being a favourite of the Dutchman.

The 27-year-old has often said he considers the circuit in the Belgian Ardennes to be the most beautiful. Although the Eau Rouge/Raidillon corner combination has been adjusted from a safety perspective, the Dutchman is still a fan of the track, and he was seen on Tuesday with his own GT3 team testing at the circuit.

"Ultimately, you hope that a motorsport culture will develop in those countries [referring to the potentially new countries]," Verstappen said in an interview with Formula 1 magazine, with it being announced on Wednesday that Kyalami might return to the calendar, along with a recent revelation that Thailand has bid to host an F1 race.

"But, if it were up to me, the calendar would look very different and also have fewer races. Circuits that, in my opinion, would deserve a 'special status' and always belong on the calendar.

"Purely on the basis of sporting grounds, they are, for me, Spa-Francorchamps, Zandvoort, Silverstone, Imola, Suzuka, and Brazil.”

Max Verstappen in action in his Red Bull during the Dutch Grand Prix

'Franz Hermann' became famous at Nordschleife

Verstappen surprised many when he raced under a pseudonym in a GT3 car at the Nordschleife, with 'Franz Hermann' even setting a lap record. But is a Formula 1 race at the Nordschleife possible, according to Verstappen?

‘’Haha. That’s not going to happen with the Formula 1 cars we have now, I’m afraid," laughed the 27-year-old.

"With GT3 speed, it’s okay and still manageable. I have seen old footage, including Formula 1 at the Nordschleife… Then you know one thing for sure: Formula 1 there, that will never happen again. Way too dangerous.”

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Of course, races at his home race in Zandvoort remain historic and will forever be etched in Verstappen's memory, often thinking back to them.

''Absolutely, that remains very special. They are also races that brought more pressure, especially in 2022 and 2023, because everyone expected me to just win, given the power relations. But it wasn’t that easy.

That ultimately made it even more beautiful, also because of the backdrop with all that orange. I cherish such moments.”

This article was written in collaboration with Hidde Korte