Max Verstappen hopes to “keep on doing the same thing” at the Dutch Grand Prix.
The reigning double world champion is an overwhelming favourite for victory at Zandvoort, tying Sebastian Vettel’s record of nine consecutive wins also set during this final championship year at Red Bull back in 2013 in the process.
Asked about his expectations in the press conference on Thursday, however, Verstappen admitted doing so wasn’t a given.
“Just try to keep on doing the same thing – that would be nice,” he said.
“Of course, after a break, you never know how you get back into things.
Also [with] the track and the weather that is forecast, I think it’s always a bit more tricky. We’ll see.
“We have a quick car, but it’s again about putting everything together to have a really strong weekend.”
With 12 wins in 12 races in 2023, Red Bull is still on course to deliver the first-ever perfect F1 season. And such is their superiority currently, many believe the only threat to achieving that is themselves.
But Verstappen insists it is not something on the team’s radar for now…
“Honestly, I don’t think we really think about it too much,” he admitted.
“We just want to look ahead and try to always bring the best possible car to the track. I think everyone is always trying to prepare in that way.
“Of course, we want to win here, there’s no secret about that. It’s one of my favourite places to be, and to win is… It’s always very special here, so for sure that’s the target for the weekend.”
Verstappen is the only winner of the Dutch GP since its return in 2021, with the Orange Army once again coming out in force to cheer on their hero.
But rather than be crushed by the expectation, Max embraces the chance to race on home soil.
“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.
“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.”