Max Verstappen is gunning for a third consecutive win on home ground this weekend at Zandvoort, but the Dutchman insists he is feeling "no extra pressure" to deliver the result.
Verstappen boast's a perfect track record since F1's return to Zandvoort in 2021, having claimed pole and a win in the preceding two events held at the legendary venue.
Upholding at home his 100 per cent win rate as well as his team's undefeated record this season would certainly content the 25-year-old local hero, but Verstappen isn't losing sleep over the prospect of fulfilling his fans' expectations.
"Honestly I think it’s great, it doesn’t bring for me a weight on my shoulders or extra pressure, just amazing this is possible," he said on Thursday.
"I think nobody like 10 years ago even thought about a grand prix here and that we’re able to do that now is just fantastic and hopefully it will continue for a while.
"For me it’s amazing to be here, to see all the fans, and drive such an incredible track."
Read also:
Even if in all likelihood Red Bull will resume its forward march this weekend, Verstappen is keeping his own expectations just slightly in check.
"Just try to keep on doing the same thing, that would be nice," he said.
"But of course, after a break you never know how you get back into things, also the track and the weather that is forecast is always a bit more tricky
"We’ll see, we have a good car, again it’s about putting everything together to have a good weekend."
As for Red Bull's chances of concluding its season undefeated, a feat never previously achieved by a team in F1, Verstappen admits that he's keeping that thought out of his mind for now.
"I mean honestly, I don’t think we really think about it too much as we just want to look ahead and bring the best possible car to the track," he added.
"I think everyone’s is always trying to prepare in that way, and of course, we want to win here, no secret about that."
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
A familiar storyline may be about to unfold in Formula 1 – one where McLaren…
Momentum is building inside the Haas F1 Team, and much of it is surging from…
Legendary karting coach and talent scout Dino Chiesa has drawn striking parallels between Lewis Hamilton…
F1 world championship leader Kimi Antonelli made good use of his easter weekend to make…
Fresh uncertainty appears to be brewing inside Red Bull Racing, with reports suggesting one of…
Three races into Ferrari’s 2026 campaign, Lewis Hamilton looks rejuvenated – his voice steadier, his…