Verstappen prepared for the 'unknown' at Paul Ricard

Next weekend the Grand Prix calendar goes to France for the first time in a decade, and at the Circuit Paul Ricard for the first time in 28 years, and Verstappen, who was not even born when the last GP took place there, says he is prepared for the "unknown".

Alain Prost, a native of France, was the last winner at the Paul Ricard in 1990 - a whole seven years before Verstappen was born. The Dutchman has only raced a few wet weather practice laps on the circuit previously, and admits he does not really know what to expect from the track.

"I have never actually raced at Paul Ricard so it will be a new track for me," Verstappen said.

"I think lots of drivers actually haven’t driven there, only the younger drivers in lower formulas, not myself. But the other ones have all driven there. It’s always a challenge going to a new circuit and I’m looking forward to it.

"I did the wet weather test there but we only used a few of the same corners and after that they changed the layout a little bit.

"From what I have seen it is a power track with long straights," he suggested.

"But there are still a few corners in there where we can make a difference.

READ MORE: Verstappen silenced 'stupid critics' - Marko
READ MORE: When is the French Grand Prix? Qualifying, start time, most wins

"It’s all a bit unknown, so we will have to see when we get there. I’m looking forward to seeing a new Grand Prix weekend."

Verstappen has had a stuttering start to the 2018 season and has been involved in a few high-profile collisions during GP races, most notably against Sebastian Vettel and his team-mate, Daniel Ricciardo.

However, a positive outing in the Canadian Grand Prix last weekend saw him claim a podium spot. He is hoping that his fans will be out in force in France to support him to another good performance when he gets behind the wheel at the Paul Ricard.

"It’s quite close to home. I think it’s also good to have a race in France as there are many fans there."