Verstappen stays focused after Zandvoort: 'Festivities can wait'

With victories in Belgium and the Netherlands, Max Verstappen has come out of the winter break in good shape. Next weekend the third race of the triple-header is scheduled with the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Despite his glorious victory at Zandvoort, the focus is back on that next race.

Festivities can wait

The fact that for the first time in 36 years a Dutch Grand Prix took place was reason enough for a party, but that the race was won by a Dutchman made the celebration complete. "I couldn't have asked for more in Zandvoort, but now all eyes are on Monza," Verstappen remained stoic in a Red Bull Racing press release. "The Italian Grand Prix is just around the corner and the championship is at stake, so the festivities can wait and some rest between race weekends is important."

Verstappen took his seventh win of the season and is now top of the world championship with 224.5 points. Lewis Hamilton is just three points behind the Dutchman and will be looking to regain the lead from Verstappen in the remainder of the season.

No extra pressure at home race

The stands were packed with Verstappen fans at Zandvoort, but that did not create any extra pressure for the Dutchman. "People always think there's more pressure for drivers at their home Grand Prix, but for me it's more fun. You don't sit in your car and think you have to perform, because in F1 you always have to do that anyway, so it's no different. For me, the pressure doesn't really change whether it's your home race or not."

However, the new world championship leader does agree that during a home race a lot is expected of you. "Then it's nice to be able to deliver and especially to win in front of the royal family, but it was a brilliant performance from the whole team. Strategically we were very sharp, but I am aware that not every weekend will be like Zandvoort, so we have to keep working as a team and keep pushing, because there are still many races to go."