Max from Zandvoort: 'Expect to see different strategies'
Published on 28 August 2025 by Misha van der Kroon
After a well-deserved summer break, the Formula 1-circus has travelled to the circuit of Zandvoort, located in the dunes, for the Dutch Grand Prix. During Thursday’s media session, Max Verstappen was asked how he is approaching the second half of the season. The Dutchman explained: “I just try to make the best of it, every single race weekend. We’re looking to seek our opportunities and try to keep learning about the car. Of course, next year’s car will be very different, but we’re still trying to understand the current car a bit more, and try to find a bit more performance and make it easier for ourselves.”
Is it harder now that you’re standing on the podium less often and winning less frequently? Max: “No, I don’t get frustrated by that or anything. That would be wasted energy. We analyse the car and our working methods and try to improve them for the future. That’s what we’re continuously focused on.”
How does he expect the RB21 to perform at Circuit Zandvoort this weekend? “I hope we can be closer than we were in our last race in Budapest, that was not a great weekend for us,” said Max. “But I don’t think this is the best track for us on the calendar. But then again, the weather could play a role as well, so that might cause some chaos. We’ll have to see what happens.”
Pirelli has brought different tyre compounds this weekend, and the pit lane speed limit has been raised from 60 km/h to 80 km/h. Could that make the race more interesting? Max replied: “Increasing the pit lane speed is good, you gain four or five seconds with that. That’s nice. If it’s dry, I expect to see some different strategies, because this is a circuit where overtaking is quite difficult.”
Are you already busy preparing for 2026, when the new regulations come in? Max: “That goes step by step. Of course, we’re still focused on this year, but we’re also looking ahead to 2026. The team has been working on it for a long time already. On Tuesday, I was in the simulator at the factory in Milton Keynes, but that can be set up as good as you want it to be. I’ll wait and see what it’s like in reality.”
Next year will already be the last edition of the Dutch Grand Prix… “It’s a shame,” Max responded. “But I’m very proud to have had a home Grand Prix over the past years. We’re going to make the most of the last two editions and enjoy them even more. And even if Formula 1 doesn’t come back, the circuit will still be here, and other forms of motorsport can still be enjoyed.”
And how do you experience the fans and the atmosphere during the Dutch Grand Prix? “It definitely puts a smile on my face every time I drive out of the pit box. It’s always special to see so much orange. It’s about the racing on track and the party next to it, that’s great. The fans have a great time, and that’s exactly how it should be when you go to a Grand Prix.”
Contest Dutch GP: win a by Max Verstappen signed Red Bull Racing 2025 cap!
