Ricciardo explains why Zandvoort may be a poor race

Matthew Scott
Wednesday 15 May 2019 14:56

Daniel Ricciardo believes Formula 1 cars may not be well-suited to the Zandvoort circuit, with the likely result a "processional" Dutch Grand Prix when the race returns to the calendar next year. Liberty Media has Zandvoort back on the schedule, as F1 looks to capitalise on Max Verstappen's popularity in his homeland.

Several drivers have expressed concerns that the race may not be a thriller, although it is unlikely to put off fans, especially in the Netherlands, where Verstappen has become one of the country's biggest sporting stars in recent years.

Like many of his contemporaries, Ricciardo drove Zandvoort in his junior career and is looking forward to the challenge of tackling the twisting track, even if it may not be a great spectacle come raceday.

"I raced there in F3 and I remember it keeps your eyes open," Ricciardo said.

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"The track to drive on is pretty awesome. It is high-speed, it is old school, [you need] big balls.

"From a driving point of view it is fun. But how fast it is, and how narrow some places are, I don't think it would be that exciting for overtaking.

"Just my initial feeling, I think with the speeds we go now, following another car would be very difficult. So that is my reservation with it, I think it could be a very processional race.

"Otherwise the track is cool, but we will see.

"I'm a bit torn because to drive on it would be fun but to race on it would be... with the width of the cars now, it is probably like a street circuit through some of the places. And then all high-speed through the middle... we will see but I think it would be tricky to make an exciting race."