Max ready for second half of the season: 'Looking forward to it'
Published on 22 August 2024 by Stefan Meens
Formula 1 racing is back with this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix kicking off the second half of the 2024 season. Max Verstappen returns to home soil to address the media in the Red Bull Energy Station in the Circuit Zandvoort paddock.
“It was a good summer break. I’ve spent a lot of time with friends and family. If it was up to me, we could’ve added another week, it just flew by", explains Max. "But that’s the way it is. It was good to recharge and not spend too much time thinking about Formula 1.”
As it has been over the past few years, Max is the main attraction at the Dutch Grand Prix with the world champion expected to be cheered on by tens of thousands of fans at his home race. Despite the extra attention, Max does not feel any additional pressure. “To be honest, it’s fine. Yes, it’s maybe a bit busier for me, but I just focus on the performance and I’m happy to be here. Rain is predicted and it’s a great circuit to drive so I’m looking forward to getting back into it.”
Not only is this weekend’s event special because it is on home turf, but it is also Verstappen’s 200th Formula 1 Grand Prix. “That’s definitely past the halfway mark! It’s been a hell of a ride and it doesn’t feel like 200 races, but we do a lot of races per season so the numbers add up quickly.”
Of the first 199 races, two highlights stand out for the triple champion. “To win your first race is very emotional. That’s a childhood dream coming true. It’s also very special to win your first championship. These are incredible highlights to look back on.”
Despite already contesting his tenth season in the pinnacle of motorsport, Max feels he is still improving. “Of course, the ability to show your potential depends on the car, but every year you’re more experienced. Every year you want to be better. It’s not massive improvements, more like finetuning. Every season there are things you could’ve done better or different. That’s what you analyse every year.”
Although he cannot see himself compete in F1 forever, Max is keen on exploring other racing series. “Of course, that’s difficult to combine with Formula 1, but when I quit, I want to do other, more relaxed things, so I can be home more. But if I compete, I will want to fight for the win, so we’ll see what opportunities will come up.”
After three wins in a row at Zandvoort, a fourth will be a challenging feat to achieve. “Looking at how the season has developed, it will be. It looks like more teams will fight for the win and it’ll be close. I won’t say we’ll win; I just want to execute a faultless weekend, understand the car better and keep learning. If we improve the car, our life will get easier. We’ve done a lot of analysing over the summer break and we’ll see what that brings us this weekend.”
Contest Dutch GP: win a by Max Verstappen signed Oracle Red Bull Racing cap!
