Verstappen Sets Clear Goal for Second Half of F1 Season

Why it matters: Max Verstappen is aiming for a strong comeback at his home Grand Prix in Zandvoort, despite recent struggles and a tough championship battle. His mental approach is key as Red Bull seeks to regain its winning form. The big picture: Verstappen, who previously won three consecutive times at Zandvoort before Lando Norris broke his streak last year, faces significant pressure to perform. He acknowledges that Zandvoort isn't Red Bull's strongest circuit and is banking on variable weather to create opportunities. The details: Currently third in the championship, Verstappen trails Oscar Piastri by 97 points and Lando Norris by 88 points. He expressed hopes for a better performance than the ninth-place finish in Hungary, citing it as "not our best weekend." His objective for the remaining season is simple: "to make the best of every single weekend," seize opportunities, and gain a deeper understanding of the current car for future development. Verstappen's mindset: Despite Red Bull's recent dip in performance, Verstappen remains calm and motivated. He states, "It's not that difficult to stay calm and motivated, even when things aren't going well. It might be harder if I hadn't already celebrated successes." He views the current phase as an inevitable part of racing, emphasizing the need to "understand how the car works and how we can improve it," rather than being frustrated. What's next: The "Oranje Army" will rally behind Verstappen at Zandvoort, but a perfect car setup and some favorable weather will be crucial for him to challenge for the top step of the podium.