Max Verstappen doesn’t feel any performance boost despite the “amazing” atmosphere at the Dutch Grand Prix.
While the Orange Army follows him to pretty much every race, his support literally goes to the max at Zandvoort, which hosted its first race since 1985 last year.
But whereas previous drivers, notably Nigel Mansell, claimed racing in front of a home crowd gives them extra speed, Verstappen doesn’t see it that way in the Netherlands.
“Unfortunately, no lap time,” he said on Thursday, “but it’s definitely nice to see all the time.
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“Even when you are in the box, to be honest. You see the people in front of you, they are having a bit of a party going on.
“When you drive out as well, you know they are cheering for you and I’ll just try to enjoy it as much as I can.”
Along with his Army of supporters, Verstappen also revels in the old-school challenge of Zandvoort.
“It was already incredible last year,” he stated. “It’s an amazing track with a Formula 1 car, especially on a qualifying lap. [An] amazing atmosphere and [there] will be a lot of orange around.”
But after dominating the Belgian GP a week ago after starting 14th, the reigning world champion expects tougher competition in the Netherlands.
“Spa was amazing for us, and I think also better than expected,” he explained. “I think it’s just our car with the layout, it suited the car really well.
“Here [at Zandvoort], you run a lot of downforce on the car, it’s a completely different track layout, less straight-line speed in general.
“It’s gonna be interesting. If we nail our set-up the car will be quick, but it’s a bit of a question mark of how quick it will be compared to others.”