Verstappen samples Zandvoort F1 track for first time

Max Verstappen has hailed the revamped Zandvoort Circuit after becoming the first driver to sample the new layout ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix’s return to the Formula 1 calendar.

Verstappen got behind the wheel of Red Bull’s 2012 title-winning RB8 machine to get his first taste of driving the re-profiled circuit on Wednesday, with the seaside venue back on the F1 schedule following a 35-year hiatus.

The major changes of the revised layout include new banking at Turns 3 [Hugenholtz] and the final corner [Arie Luyendyk], which features a steep and challenging incline of up to 18 degrees.

The Dutchman, who hopes to mount a title challenge to Mercedes with Red Bull in 2020, was suitably impressed by his first impressions of the track.

Max meets the Arie Luyendijkbocht at Circuit Zandvoort

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“It was a great opportunity to be the first person to drive an F1 car at the new Zandvoort Circuit and the track is really cool,” Verstappen said.

“Especially at Turn 3 where the banking is amazing. I didn’t expect the banking to be that big but it’s really cool to drive an F1 car on. The last corner is the same.

“It’s also pretty banked and with the new cars and DRS open through there it will be a good challenge and a lot of fun.

“The whole track is very demanding,” he added. “There are a lot of fast corners and still not that much run-off.

“That makes it really challenging to go on the limit, but that’s good. That’s what we like. Does it give me a head start coming here today? Maybe a little.

“It’s always good to drive a track for the first time and see how it feels and what it’s like. I definitely enjoyed it.”

Ride with @Max33Verstappen for the first lap of the new Zandvoort Circuit! #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/qHSG1cyUBA

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