Max Verstappen expressed his satisfaction immediately after securing second place in Zandvoort. “Unfortunately, I didn’t have the speed to compete with the McLarens, so finishing second is a fantastic result,” said the four-time world champion from Red Bull.
With his second place in Zandvoort, Verstappen maintains a unique tradition. After three victories (2021, 2022, 2023) and a second place in 2024, he has stood on the podium at every edition.
This time, Max Verstappen took full advantage of Lando Norris‘s late retirement. As a result, he was eventually flagged off as second behind winner Oscar Piastri. In the opening round, Verstappen had a spectacular overtaking move on Norris after the start.
“It wasn’t an easy race. I only made a move at the start. I had a slight moment in turn two,” Verstappen told interviewer Giedo van der Garde on the grid in his initial reaction. “After that, I drove my own race, but unfortunately, I didn’t have the speed of the McLarens. It’s a great result to finish on the podium in Zandvoort. I was a bit lucky that one of the McLarens retired. A second place here is really a great achievement.”
Verstappen then addressed the Dutch fans in the packed stands. “It’s been another incredible weekend for me. It’s always special to race here and to stand on the podium.”
