Verstappen supports his teammate: "Albon does not have ten years of F1 experience"

Max Verstappen will hope for a podium again this weekend. This season the driver managed to reach the podium in every race he completed. At Spa a third place seems to be the highest achievable finish, as Mercedes have a clear advantage on the straight. In F1 Verstappen has only managed to reach the podium once in Belgium.

Nevertheless, Verstappen informs NOS that he is happy to be in Spa. "It's a great circuit where you can really feel the speed of an F1 car in the corners," explained the Dutchman. One thing that Verstappen will miss this year is the large number of Verstappen fans who every year head to Spa-Francorchamps to encourage the Dutchman. "It's indeed a pity that there can't be any fans. The fans created a great atmosphere here every year."

The expectation of Verstappen this weekend is a podium, but a win will be difficult for the Dutch driver. "This is really not the ideal circuit for the car. It hasn't been that way in recent years and that's no different this year. We are just not very strong here ourselves and Mercedes is very strong."

Regarding his teammate Alex Albon, Verstappen insisted the Thai driver is doing well. "He is doing well. The team is satisfied with his progress. Of course Alex doesn't have ten years of F1 experience, so we just have to give him time". Rain will help Red Bull this weekend, but it won't make a big difference. "It doesn't matter to me. It won't change much in the end result. It will be difficult, but I'm trying to go to the podium on Sunday," Verstappen concluded.