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
Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…
When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…
Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 F1 season with a sense of satisfaction, the Ferrari driver…
Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard has voiced his dismay at FIA president Mohammed Ben…
Super Aguri's application to join Formula 1 became a reality on this day in 2005,…
Ferrari roared back into contention in 2024 to deliver their strongest season in years, thanks…