Max Verstappen is keen for a Dutch Grand Prix to happen at some point in the future, but he hopes that the venue for the race will not be a street circuit as is being suggested in certain circles, the Red Bull driver clearly prefers traditional permanent race tracks.
Asked about his views regarding the prospect of a grand prix in his homeland, with Zandvoort a logical venue for the race, Verstappen said, “I think that it is possible. But it’s everything around the location that needs to be taken care of. The track its self could use some more straights, but that is not so extreme. But it would be difficult with run off areas, the infrastructure and the pit building.”
“Also the roads leading to the track, are packed. You need to find ways to solve that. Most importantly is how much needs to be paid in the end and how it will be financed,” added the Dutchman.
Zandvoort featured on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar from 1958 until 1985 (except for 1972) with Niki Lauda winning the last race at the venue for McLaren.
The legendary Assen circuit, which has hosted MotoGP for decades, is another option as are proposals for a street race in one of the major urban areas in the country.
But Verstappen is not keen on that idea, “We have enough street circuits already. You cannot overtake on them. I don’t find a street circuit as challenging as Spa or Suzuka. A real circuit is what I find best to drive on. During qualifying you can really hit the throttle. On a street circuit you always need to be somewhat cautious.”
The 20 year old’s record at Formula 1 street races – Monaco, Baku and Singapore – has hardly been stellar. His best result on temporary circuits was fifth place at Monaco earlier this year, while eight visits to city based venues in his three years in F1 have resulted in four DNFs.