A visibly more complicated Dutch GP for Max Verstappen. The home driver said he was satisfied with the second position obtained in qualifying behind Lando Norris, although just over three tenths away. The expectations put forward by the world champion in press conference on Thursday were confirmed by the track. In fact, this time it will be difficult for Super Max to reconfirm himself in the dunes of Zandvoort.
Verstappen keeps the Dutch GP in the balance among the McLarens
Zandvoort, although it may be a complicated and interesting circuit from a driving point of view, remains an unattractive circuit in the race, as overtaking is rather complicated. This characteristic of the Dutch circuit gives even more value and importance to what Max Verstappen achieved in Q3. The second position stolen from Oscar Piastri, who seemed to be aiming for something better than a third position, projects the Dutch driver towards a completely different race. Verstappen will be able to immediately attack Norris, who has repeatedly shown himself to be deficient in starts. Different story for the rest of the race, with the two McLarens which should be more advantaged from a pace point of view.
Verstappen realistic for the race: "far from first position"
Tomorrow only McLaren will be able to miss out on victory in the Dutch GP. In fact, all the signs seem to suggest the soon advent of the third championship victory for the English team. However, trying to ruin the plans of Andrea Stella's team will be Max Verstappen, who, something to which fans and professionals are not yet accustomed, said he was satisfied with having obtained second place. “During qualifying today we had no pace. It was very complicated here due to the wind, because with these gusts each lap can give different sensations. So it's also difficult to get references. I'm happy with second place, I already said it yesterday. It's a good result".
Second place: a complicated goal to achieve, but still partially predicted. We knew Verstappen would not dominate here in Holland as in past years and that above all, as he himself explained on Thursday, the team Red Bull he would have to work hard to find a good setup for the car. Everything possible was done, with a difficult but proven solid car, which in the hands of the Dutch driver managed to bring out the best in the central sector. “Yes the situation is that it is not the easiest car to drive. But throughout the tour I was solid, except in turns 11 and 12. But we'll see, let's hope the car goes well in the race". Race, which will certainly not see Verstappen standing by and watching. However, despite the desire to win, the world champion remains with his feet on the ground: “We will try to win. I will try to have a good race tomorrow, but we are three tenths away from first place and we have to be realistic".
