Verstappen: “It hasn’t been easy.”
The Red Bull driver savored his third consecutive victory at Zandvoort, obtained on Sunday. Max Verstappen prevailed without making the slightest mistake.
“It wasn’t easy,” Max Verstappen soberly remarked following the Dutch Grand Prix. The reigning world champion praised the good strategy implemented by his team and smiled as he acknowledged being thrilled to hear the national anthem even before the race.
Because the Batavian, as usual, was leading the race without ever deviating from his path or making the slightest mistake. Moreover, in front of his fans!
Without going into further detail about the fact that he has equalled the record of consecutive wins held until now by Sebastian Vettel, and without claiming to win a tenth next week at Monza, Max declared himself « super happy with this one. We always want to win ». Then he thanked his dense and motivated audience in Dutch.
Max Verstappen has won his 10th victory of the season and remains undefeated on his home soil since the return of the Dutch round in 2021. It must be said that, since his first world title, he has evolved into another dimension and it is very likely that Vettel’s record of nine consecutive wins will be broken in Monza. Unless there is a dramatic turn of events.
Pérez not up to the challenge
The difference for Red Bull compared to its competitors is so clear that total domination in terms of victories this season seems completely assured. At the very least, the number 1 driver will, barring any disasters, be the world champion in a few Grand Prix.
Because car number 11, driven by Sergio Pérez, is in the hands of a reputed fast driver. But the Mexican, in a car that is totally unsuited for him, could do nothing: Verstappen was able to complete a lap on slick tires in the downpour, switch to intermediates and climb back up without any difficulty.
The second rain shower scared the youngest winner in history even less: his about 24-second lead over the rest of the pack allowed him to comfortably make a pit stop for rain tires before the red flag. Perez made mistakes, Verstappen did not, behind the wheel of the best car on the grid. Even the weather conditions don’t disturb him, a sign that stopping him will be tough.
