The 26-year-old Max Verstappen is on the verge of passing one of his most difficult examinations at the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend, where the defending champion will look to further underline his dominance at Zandvoort. The triple world champion with Red Bull has won every Dutch GP from pole since it returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, but this time, he shows up with the longest winless streak in four years. Verstappen has only had one podium finish since his win in Spain on June 23, as Mercedes have claimed victory in three out of the last four races.
Sunday will mark Verstappen’s 200th Formula 1 start – the youngest driver to have ever reached that total – and he is already gunning to make it one to remember: “It’s always a great atmosphere, the fans are incredible. Hopefully, we can fight for the win.”
Meanwhile, teammate Sergio Perez, yet to score his first victory of the season, will have a new race engineer as Red Bull hopes to keep a resurgent McLaren at bay in the Constructors’ standings.
Rejuvenated Mercedes’ Lewis Hamilton, a winner in two of the last three races, leads the charge to bridge the gap, with Ferrari also showing signs of revival ahead of their home race at Monza.
