New Zandvoort will be “even better” in current F1 cars - Verstappen
Max Verstappen reckons the revamped Zandvoort circuit will be “even better” to drive in current Formula 1 machinery when the returning Dutch Grand Prix is finally held.
The Dutch Grand Prix was due to return to the F1 calendar for the first time in 35 years this weekend at Zandvoort but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic forced the race’s postponement.
Verstappen became the first driver to lap the re-profiled track in an F1 car when he drove Red Bull’s 2012 title-winning RB8 around the track back in March.
Max Verstappen reckons the revamped Zandvoort circuit will be “even better” to drive in current Formula 1 machinery when the returning Dutch Grand Prix is finally held.
The Dutch Grand Prix was due to return to the F1 calendar for the first time in 35 years this weekend at Zandvoort but the ongoing coronavirus pandemic forced the race’s postponement.
Verstappen became the first driver to lap the re-profiled track in an F1 car when he drove Red Bull’s 2012 title-winning RB8 around the track back in March.
Following his first taste of the circuit in a grand prix car, Verstappen said he was excited to try it out in the latest F1 machinery.
“I think Turn 3 and the last corner, they look pretty impressive when you are going through the corner so it looks very nice and I think they did a really good job in renovating the track,” he said.
“It was a lot of fun to drive already with the V8 car, so I think with these cars it will be even better.”
Asked if he has any concerns about overtaking given the narrow nature of the circuit, Verstappen replied: “Yeah but it’s the same as Monaco isn’t it?
“Or when you go to Suzuka it’s very old school and not very wide. I don’t think that is a problem. I actually quite like it.
“It’s better than having tarmac everywhere and when you make a mistake you can just run wide. It’s just going to depend a bit on whether you can overtake and stuff.”
The Dutchman believes the two banked corners will provide a big challenge and says he would not be surprised to see drivers using different lines through the banking.
“I have always found it a super circuit to drive, but the banking definitely adds a new dimension to it,” Verstappen explained.
“I think you can drive different lines through those banked corners, so that's a good thing. It has to do with the tyres as well.
“On new tyres you can take a shorter line. But on older tyres, you have to make sure you have a good exit, so you might have to stay a bit higher in that final corner.”
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