After 21 years the Verstappen name returns to Masters grid
Published on 03 July 2014 by Stefan Meens
Upcoming weekend, Max Verstappen has the chance to write motorsport history as he tries to emulate his father’s famous victory at the Zandvoort Masters. After winning the last six races in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, Verstappen junior heads to Zandvoort with confidence. For Max it is his first time racing at the legendary circuit in the dunes and with plenty of Dutch race fans expected, it promises to be an exciting weekend for the Verstappens and their fans.
Circuit Park Zandvoort’s Chief Operating Officer Erik Weijers labels the event as a unique opportunity to see Max in action in front of his home crowd. “It’s been incredible what Max has achieved in his debut season so far. To win six Euro F3 races in a row has never been done before. So we are delighted and proud that Max will drive the Masters at Zandvoort. If I’m honest, I don’t think we’ll see him race in the Netherlands that often in the future as he is going straight to the top. So if you want to see Max on home soil, the Masters is the place to be!”
Back in 1993, the Zandvoort Masters victory proved a pivotal point in the career of Jos Verstappen. “That win was my international breakthrough and very important for my career. The Masters are seen as a very prestigious event in F3 and it meant I caught the attention of several Formula 1 teams.”
Despite Verstappen senior’s win dating back 21 years, he vividly remembers it. “During the victory lap I remember a photographer stopped me and he gave me a Dutch flag. The photo made with me and the flag was published in many papers, magazines and books. It was an incredible moment. Also, there was a huge crowd, so let’s hope there’ll be plenty of race fans on Sunday as well.”
After his hat-trick at Spa-Francorchamps and the Norisring, Max Verstappens star is rising. Not surprisingly, Jos is very happy with his son’s progression so far: “The races in Belgium were amazing. The overtaking manoeuvre he pulled off in the third Spa-Francorchamps race was unique. However, it’s his first year and mistakes are unavoidable and allowed. He’s made a couple but he really learns from them. On top of that, he admits when he makes mistakes and that is a good approach and attitude.”
With Max’ recent success, a lot attention is coming the youngster’s way. Jos is however confident he can keep his focus. “Max stays very calm. He is never really tense. I would describe it as having healthy nerves, it keeps him focused. I mean if you look at his last starts, they were all pretty good.”
Jos himself is not always as relaxed as Max appears to be. “My heart rate definitely goes up, but that’s just the tension because I want everything to go well. But then he comfortably wins a rain race at the Norisring with a big lead. He never fails to amaze me!”
The Masters are set to be a tough challenge for Max as it will be his first outing at Zandvoort. In addition, he will have to get used to the Kumho Ecsta tyres (the European championship uses Hankook tyres). Furthermore, there are plenty of tough competitors out to steal the Masters crown. Fellow Euro F3 driver Dennis van de Laar, a Zandvoort native, will be the most experienced Dutchman as he enters the event for the third time. ATS Formel 3 Cup podium regular Indy Dontje has driven the track in the Formel ADAC.
Other ‘outsiders’ are Jules Szymkowiak and Steijn Schothorst. The latter makes his Zandvoort debut in an F3 racer. Szymkowiak, Max’ Euro F3 team mate at Van Amersfoort Racing, is holding his own in the European championship with a top five spot in the rookie standings. In short, there are plenty of ingredients available to serve up a tasty Zandvoort Masters weekend.
For the Zandvoort Masters’ schedule, have look at our calendar page. For any other info regarding the Zandvoort Masters, go to: www.circuit-zandvoort.nl.
