Max reflects on opening day at Dutch Grand Prix: 'Long runs looking good'

Published on 03 September 2021 by Stefan Meens

Following Friday practice and qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix, Ziggo Sport’s Olav Mol caught up with Max Verstappen to discuss the opening day at Zandvoort.

Today must have been a special day? “Of course, it was great to see everything. But it’s a shame that there are no spectators at the best part of the circuit, at the back, with the high speed corners. But after that, you get an arena atmosphere like in Mexico, which is really nice.”

Turn 3, ‘Hugenholtz’ is the first banked corner, that allows for various racing lines. “Yes, I use quite a high one”, explains Max. “The corner is built up out of plates that goes in steps, so it’s not a smooth curve. It means it’s very sensitive where you place the car in Hugenholtz; if you’re too low, a wheel can be pulled up or down the banking.”

You could describe Zandvoort as a street circuit in the dunes; if someone goes off, it leads to a red flag. “Yes, it’s and old school track, meaning that if you go off, you go off properly.”

There were two red flags in practice that got in your way. “Yes, they both came out when I was using a set of new softs for a first timed lap. I couldn’t finish both so my fastest time over a short run isn’t completely representative. We’ll still need to fine tune some things though, but the long runs look positive.”

Are you happy with the balance? “Not yet, but we’re analysing to improve it.”

Because overtaking seems to be difficult around here, pole position will be important. “Yes, without a doubt.”

So it could be the best Saturday of the year? “Yes, but only if we’re on pole!”

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