Max Verstappen is chasing Sebastian Vettel’s legendary record at Zandvoort

The dunes are calling again. After a three-week break from racing Formula 1 This weekend in Zandvoort Back to the race track, where Grand Prix of the Netherlands (Sundays at 3pm on Servus TV & Gwen) for the third time since returning in 2021.

The winner of the last two editions of the Grand Prix is ​​again the favorite this year. Red Bull Star Max Verstappen He wants to step on the gas again in front of his home fans Sebastian Vettel’s record from Nine straight wins hiring.

“I am looking forward to tackling the second half of the season and what could be better than starting in the Netherlands? It is Wonderful track“Of course the fans are great there, so I’m definitely looking forward to getting back on track,” said the Dutchman, who has won 10 of the 13 races so far this season.

Record holder Verstappen: “No load”

He feels excitement around him There is no additional pressure. “It’s great. I don’t have any weight on my shoulders because of that,” said the 25-year-old. “She’s one of me Favorite places. Obviously winning here is something special.”

“Zandvoort will be tough, the field is getting tighter. But as a team we’ll keep pushing and we’ll try.” To give our best Teammate Sergio Perez emphasized that: “I want to get a good result.

red bull He aims for the entire season at the second shortest course on the calendar after Monaco 14. Victory is internal in. The team, spoiled by success and seem to be in a league without competition this season, will only improve their record.

Duel for second place

Above all, they want to win at home to the old world champion, and possibly also the new world champion Mercedes And Ferrari blow up. The Italians were closest to Red Bull before the summer break at Spa-Francorchamps when Charles Locklick He finished third behind Verstappen and Perez.

According to the team leader Frederic Vasseur Ferrari missed many chances in the first half of the season. With Mercedes, you still want to fight for second place in the Constructors’ Championship, and meanwhile the Scuderia is in the back Aston Martin Only in fourth place.

“We are talking about tenths, not seconds, and we have shown on a number of occasions that we can compete with Red Bull. At least in the qualifiers,” said Vasseur. “We have to understand why we are showing a little less performance in the race and try to improve there.”

Mercedes is back “stronger”

Mercedes Team Leader Toto Wolf said so Lewis Hamilton And George Russellwho finished second in Zandvoort last year, would have recharged their batteries.

“We are back stronger and ready for the second half of the season. There is still a lot to achieve and we will not stop. We will do our best in the battle for second place in the Constructors’ Championship.” “Heroism,” said the Viennese.

It also belongs to the Renault Group Alpine teamWhich after the departure of the team leader Otmar Zafnauer Under new management hoping for a solid weekend.

“The team’s strategy and objectives have not changed, there are only some personnel changes as announced before the break,” said the interim team boss. Bruno’s family. Zandvoort is an exciting city new beginning For all of us and I’m sure everyone in the team is up for the challenge.”

The weather can provide work

Weather again a question mark. From Thursday can be in the coastal area again and again rain shower get down.

“It looks like the weather might be choppy out there, but I don’t care,” said an unimpressed Verstappen. “It doesn’t matter if it’s wet or dry, we’ll do our best.”