Max Verstappen's F1 title hopes are all but over, but this could free him up to deliver a dominant performance at his home Dutch Grand Prix.
The Big Picture
Verstappen is 97 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri with 10 races left. Red Bull's RB21 is significantly slower than McLaren's MCL39, and with major regulation changes coming for 2026, Red Bull is highly unlikely to divert resources to the 2025 car.
The Details
- Verstappen boasts an impressive record at Zandvoort, securing three wins from four events since its return in 2021.
- His only defeat there was to Lando Norris in 2024, where he still finished second.
- Former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer believes Verstappen now has a "free hit" without the pressure of the championship fight.
- Palmer emphasized that the fervent support from the home crowd will provide a significant boost, regardless of the title situation.
What's Next
The Dutch Grand Prix presents a perfect opportunity for Verstappen to rebound after a challenging Hungarian race and demonstrate his skill without the burden of the championship battle.