Max Verstappen celebrates soaring interest in Formula 1 ahead of home Grand Prix

As anticipation mounts on the eve of his home Grand Prix weekend, Red Bull's Max Verstappen has lauded the burgeoning enthusiasm for Formula 1 in the Netherlands.

The Red Bull driver, who clinched his maiden Drivers' title in 2021, has carved a remarkable path, now en route to securing his third consecutive triumph.

Since his entry into the grid in 2015, dedicated Verstappen fans have flocked to European races, most notably adorning the grandstands during the Belgian and Austrian Grands Prix, forming the spirited Oranje Army.

In tandem with Verstappen's escalating popularity and accomplishments, his fan base has swelled. In 2021, F1 made a triumphant return to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix, marking the first occurrence since 1985.

Presently acclaimed as one of his nation's premier sporting icons, Verstappen firmly shrugged off any notion of added pressure. "Honestly, I think it's just great," he articulated to reporters. "For me, it doesn't impose any weight on my shoulders or additional pressure. It's simply astounding that this has become a reality."

Verstappen, reflecting on the growth of the Dutch Grand Prix, affirmed, "Ten years ago, nobody could have envisioned a grand prix here, and the fact that we're now capable of this is truly fantastic."

While the Dutch Grand Prix's contract endures until at least 2025, an extension seems inevitable given Verstappen's magnetic allure. "Hopefully, the race will endure for the foreseeable future," Verstappen affirmed. "It's nothing short of incredible to witness the fans and navigate this exceptional track."

With the Dutch Grand Prix set to rekindle the Formula 1 action this weekend at Circuit Zandvoort, Verstappen encapsulated the sentiments of the occasion: "This weekend holds immense joy for me. The camaraderie of the fans by the trackside, coupled with the thrill of mastering this exceptional circuit, creates an exhilarating weekend."