F1 only adding Zandvoort for Max Verstappen - George Russell

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F1 only adding Zandvoort for Verstappen - Russell

'It will be as bad as Monaco.'

Matthew Scott

Wednesday 5 June 2019 17:35

George Russell says Formula 1 is only adding Zandvoort to the calendar in order to appease Max Verstappen's Dutch fanbase and expects racing to be as poor at the Dutch track as it is in Monaco and Melbourne. F1 will return to Zandvoort next year after a 35-year absence.

Liberty Media have confirmed that the "Max Factor" had prompted the search for a race in the Netherlands, where Verstappen is now one of the biggest sporting stars.

Zandvoort's narrow and twisting circuit is expected to provide drivers with a formidable challenge, as the streets of Monte Carlo do each year.

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However, Russell expects that, like in Monaco, Sundays will pass with very little overtaking action as a result.

"I love Zandvoort. For pure tracks just to drive, it's probably in my top five favourite in the world," he said.

"But racing, it's going to be just as bad as Monaco.

"But everybody knows what to expect when they come to Monaco, they know what to expect when we go to Australia, overtaking's going to be limited. And now Zandvoort will be added to the list. We just need to accept the fact.

"We're going there for, well, for Max pretty much and the Dutch fans.

"But Formula 1 wouldn't be what it is without the fans so we need to appreciate that.

"It's an amazing circuit. I truly hope they don't get rid of the gravel because that's what makes the circuit so daunting to drive around. But it's going to going to be nigh-on impossible to race."