Verstappen avoids trouble: 'It would be wrong'

Max Verstappen will start a home race this weekend for the first time in his Formula 1 career. The Dutchman hopes to win the race under the watchful eye of tens of thousands of fans and regain the lead in the world championship.

Although the Red Bull Racing driver has been in the Netherlands for a few days now, he is no busier than usual. "There's nothing coming at me more than usual. I could have been very busy here, but it's important to always keep your preparation the same," he told the Algemeen Dagblad. "It would be wrong for me to be too busy here with things that distract from racing. For years now I have been fortunately well supported in this area."

Verstappen made a tour of the circuit on Thursday and could once again be proud of the work his countrymen have done. "Not only in bringing in and organising the Grand Prix, but also how everything has been done up. It looks cool, we're going to have a lot of fun here," Verstappen said.

The driver is only three points behind Lewis Hamilton after the race weekend in Belgium. With a victory in the Netherlands, Verstappen would regain the lead in the championship.