Max Verstappen stood in the Amsterdam theater with Viaplay for his one-time theater show: An Evening with Max Verstappen. The Dutchman has won the Zandvoort Grand Prix three times – in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He experienced these weekends intensely, but he looks back on them fondly. “The pressure is obviously on then, but you see everyone cheering and happy,” said Verstappen.
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In the theater in Amsterdam, Max Verstappen said that Zandvoort is always unique and that many other circuits try to copy it, but that doesn’t always succeed. “A few promoters have taken it over and you now see that they try to copy it everywhere, but it doesn’t always work. The country has to participate, after all,” Verstappen said in conversation with Viaplay during his An Evening with Max Verstappen.
‘The pressure is very high’
Despite the unique feeling in Zandvoort, the pressure remains high for the four-time world champion. “The pressure is obviously on then as well. In 2021 there was a title fight and then the pressure is very high. We (the team, ed.) tried to shield it as best as possible, to make sure you don’t focus on it too much. So you try to stay calm and focused in the car, but I do notice it and I like it. You want to do well and luckily it went well,” Verstappen said.
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The Dutchman experienced the Zandvoort Grands Prix as intense, but he looks back on them very fondly, despite the pressure. “You see it all weekend. Every time you cross the line with the fastest lap. Everyone cheers and is happy. You recognize the songs and the mechanics have no idea what’s going on, but they enjoy it. The team also likes it,” the Dutchman said with a smile. “I hope by the time my car is better in Zandvoort. I will absolutely enjoy the weekend and the fans. It remains unique to experience.”
‘Emotional’
With his first victory in Zandvoort – 2021 – he was emotional and that was partly thanks to his family. He had his grandmother and aunt with him. “Some people from my family that I don’t see very often, like my grandmother and my aunt, were there. My grandmother also became very emotional and those are very beautiful moments as a family. You appreciate the moments when your family is there more. When you’re eighteen or nineteen you’re happy when you’ve won, but as you get older you think more about your family,” Verstappen said.
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