Max looks forward to June 28: Italia a Zandvoort

Published on 23 April 2015 by Stefan Meens

This year, Italia a Zandvoort is “driven by Max Verstappen” as the Scuderia Toro Rosso driver will do four demonstration runs on Sunday 28 June. Max will take to the track in a RB8 F1 racer. “It's got a V8 engine, so we'll hear the noise of that engine echo through the dunes”, smiles Max at the Italia a Zandvoort press day.

“Zandvoort is special. It's the most beautiful circuit in the Netherlands and after my Zandvoort Masters win, the place has a special place in my heart. It's an old-school track and I love those. It's a great challenge to drive, also because there isn’t much run-off area. As a driver, that makes it all the more exiting so I'm looking forward to return to Zandvoort.”

Jos and Max love keeping track of who has won the most. “This competitive edge started back in karting. He was a double European champion and I've also been European champion twice as well as being world champion. Our comparison continued in Formula 3 where he won two races at the Norisring and I won three. For us it's a fun way to compete and to be able to emulate my father's success at the Zandvoort Masters 21 years after his win, is very special. That was an incredible weekend.”

Back in 2014, it was father Jos who gave a F1 demonstration at Italia a Zandvoort, missing Max' third win at the Norisring. “If Jumbo Supermarkets offers you the change to drive a Formula 1 car, it's impossible to turn down”, smiles Jos. “I love coming to Zandvoort as it's a challenging circuit. So to drive a Minardi around the track was a lot of fun. And for my son to drive a Toro Rosso Formula 1 car a year later, is all the more special and unique.”

Last time Max drove around Zandvoort, he raced a Formula 3 car. During Italia a Zandvoort he will make his Formula 1 debut on a Dutch circuit. “It's unique that I’m able, together with Toro Rosso, to give a demo for the Dutch fans, it doesn’t get any better. To drive an F1 car around Zandvoort will be a fun challenge and I’m looking forward to it.” Max is realistic enough to realize it will be tough to beat the all-time lap record. “I'll be driving on a set of Pirelli demonstration tyres, which are very hard. I'll try to drive as fast as possible and hopefully in the end do some donuts as my goal is to put on a great show."

Off track, Max will be available for autographs and fans will be able to buy the official Max Verstappen/Toro Rosso merchandise at the merchandise trailer. Max is looking forward to the event. “Hopefully we're going to have a great time!”

Tickets are €12,50 and available via news.verstappen.com or www.circuit-zandvoort.nl.