Max Verstappen is eager to secure his status as a Dutch racing legend – before his home F1 race gets the axe.
The reigning four-time world champion has had a challenging season, currently sitting third in the drivers’ championship, trailing leader Oscar Piastri by just under 100 points.
However, the tide could turn at the seaside track of Zandvoort next weekend, as the 27-year-old is determined to clinch victory in the next two Dutch Grand Prix before it’s removed from the schedule.
Since its return to the Netherlands in 2021, over 110,000 fans per day have gathered to cheer on their local hero, when Verstappen claimed his first world title. Verstappen will continue to race for Red Bull Racing next year.
This is due to the performance clause in his contract no longer being applicable this season, as he ranks in the top three of the table at the summer break. Had he been fourth, he could have left.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff has his sights set on Verstappen – having been spotted with the Dutchman during the summer holidays – and is now poised to make a move next year.
However, this won’t deter Wolff from announcing new contracts for current drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
Verstappen, who is contracted until 2028, is pleased that life at Red Bull has stabilized with new team boss Laurent Mekies following Christian Horner’s departure after a 20-year tenure.
But there are significant developments expected next year which could determine the future path for the Dutch driver.
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With a complete revamp of the regulations in Formula 1, Mercedes is introducing a new engine while Red Bull is set to debut their own. Naturally, Verstappen’s primary focus will be on the final Dutch Grand Prix.