Video/Photo: Verstappen opines on re-furbished Zandvoort F1 circuit

Darshan Chokhani

5 years ago

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen got the first chance to drive at the re-furbished Circuit Zandvoort ahead of the F1 Dutch GP return in May.

Verstappen drove the RB8 on a grand re-opening of the Zandvoort circuit after months of renovation for the upcoming Dutch GP return on May 3-5 weekend. He had Indy500 winner Arie Luyendyk at his side, whose surname is used to name the final corner.

Verstappen also got the chance to drive the new steep banking feature of the Zandvoort F1 circuit of up to 18 degrees. The Dutchman also drove the new Aston Martin DBS Superleggera, taking his father Jos for a lap around the track.

“It was a great opportunity to be the first person to drive an F1 car at the new Zandvoort Circuit and the track is really cool – especially Turn 3 where the banking is amazing. I didn’t expect the banking to be that big but it’s really cool to drive an F1 car on,” said Verstappen.

“The last corner is the same. It’s also pretty banked and with the new cars and DRS open through there it will be a good challenge and a lot of fun. The whole track is very demanding. There are a lot of fast corners and still not that much run-off.

“That makes it really challenging to go on the limit, but that’s good. That’s what we like. Does it give me a head start coming here today? Maybe a little. It’s always good to drive a track for the first time and see how it feels and what it’s like. I definitely enjoyed it.

“Jos still doesn’t like it sitting next to me. So I didn’t take it to the limit. We were just talking and having some fun. I’m really looking forward to coming back here for the Grand Prix. To have a home grand prix will be even more crazy than usual in terms of support. I hope it’s going to be a highlight of the season, but it will all depend on the Sunday result. But we’ll do everything we can to make sure it’s a good one.”

Here’s some shots of Verstappen: