Max Verstappen’s last home race in Zandvoort ended in a drama. The Dutchman found his Waterloo after just one lap at the exit of the Arie Luyendyk corner. According to him, he ‘got on the gas too early’, causing his Red Bull to spin and then crash hard into the wall. Once back in the paddock, it took a long time before Verstappen showed his face again; he wanted to isolate himself calmly and follow the rest of the race.
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When Verstappen finally appeared in front of the Viaplay cameras, he explained that after his crash he had retreated to the Red Bull motorhome for a while. “I just wanted to watch the race for a bit,” he said dryly. “I don’t have any other issues.” Asked about the reason for the sudden slide in the first lap, Verstappen explained that it was still ‘too slippery’ in the last corner. “The car broke loose and I couldn’t catch it anymore.”
“In the end, it’s just my fault,” clarified the four-time world champion. “It was a strange moment. Of course, it’s a shame that it had to happen here today, but the main problem is that we simply didn’t have pace all weekend. I’m much more upset about that. Retiring is a shame, but let’s be clear that I’d rather just be competing at the front,” Verstappen concluded.
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