Max Verstappen aiming to "put on a show" at "special" homecoming

Dutch fans in the stands — Photo: © LAT Images

Dutch Grand Prix

Verstappen aiming to "put on a show" at "special" homecoming

Verstappen is aiming to become the first home winner of the Dutch Grand Prix

Ewan Gale

Thursday 2 September 2021 08:00

Max Verstappen is hoping to put on a show as he prepares for a "special" homecoming at the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend.

The Red Bull driver has one of the most passionate fanbases in the sport with the 'Orange Army' regularly flooding circuits in support of their hero.

Their love of the sport has been rewarded with a first race at Zandvoort since 1985, with the eagerness for the event increased after a year's delay due to Covid-19.

"I'm really looking forward to the race at Zandvoort," said Verstappen.

"It will be special to have a race in the Netherlands in front of my home crowd but also as a driver it’s a good challenge to go to a new circuit and find the limit in an F1 car.

Article continues under video

"It was amazing to see so many fans supporting us in Austria and Belgium and I hope we can put on a good show for everyone in the grandstands this weekend."

Verstappen highlights importance of qualifying

The fast-paced, twisting nature of Zandvoort has led Verstappen to single out the importance of hitching up a lap time in qualifying to ensure the best chance of a positive result on race day.

"It might be a little hard to overtake on but for single-lap performance, I think it’s going to be rewarding," he added.

"The qualifying laps will be very quick there so any mistakes will be really costly.

"After the race was cancelled last year this year will be even more special and of course it would be amazing to win on another home circuit in front of the Orange Army."