Dutch Driver Gives Reality Check to Max Verstappen’s Home Race Prospects

Dutch racer Tom Coronel did not hesitate from ruling out Max Verstappen from winning at Zandvoort.

Dutch Driver Gives Reality Check to Max Verstappen’s Home Race Prospects

Max Verstappen (via Red Bull Content Pool)

🔍 Explore this post with:

ChatGPTPerplexityGrok AIGoogle AI

Max Verstappen is having one of his poorest seasons in F1 this year. After a decent start with two victories, the Dutchman has fallen far behind the two McLarens, destroying his championship hopes. While the sport is currently on a break, Verstappen fans are eagerly waiting for his home race at Zandvoort. Now, Dutch racing driver Tom Coronel has reminded fans to not be so optimistic over the Red Bull star’s chances.

Red Bull Racing is nowhere close to McLaren when it comes to pure pace. Max Verstappen is constantly pushing himself to the limit but still remains short of challenging for victories. So much so, the 27-year-old has already given up on the title chances, shifting focus to the 2026 regulations.

The Dutch GP is the first race after the summer break. The Zandvoort circuit is filled by the Orange Army with even a special grandstand named after Max Verstappen. Unfortunately, there are chances that Verstappen fans might have to leave the circuit empty handed this time around.

Tom Coronel made it clear that realistic expectations need to be put in place for Max Verstappen’s home race. He pointed out that if the reigning world champion even manages to clinch a podium finish, it would be enough to celebrate.

You have to be realistic. I think P3 is the maximum achievable. In that case, we’re in for a good party on Sunday.

Tom Coronel told RaceXpress

Coronel reckoned that Max Verstappen should not be focused on just winning for his home race, and be more realistic in his outlook. The 53-year-old reckoned that it was highly unlikely that Verstappen could breach the top 2 in the race. He advised the reigning world champion to qualify in the top 5 and then make his way to the podium on Sunday.

Winning, that’s not something he [Verstappen] needs to think about. The maximum achievable here would be 3, 4, 5. Well, then you have to take the extreme. I always think about the home advantage, which makes you more driven. So yes, I say qualify P5 and finish third in the race.

Tom Coronel explained

Max Verstappen might have outside chance of winning Dutch GP

While on paper, Max Verstappen is nowhere near contention for the race victory at Zandvoort. The RB21 is just not quick enough to give the reigning world champion a real shot at winning. However, Verstappen is an incredible driver who drives in a league of his own. Thus, one might never truly rule out the Red Bull star.

Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase
Max Verstappen and Gianpiero Lambiase (via IMAGO)

Tom Coronel pointed out that there have been several instances in the past when Max Verstappen had defied expectations. At Suzuka, the Red Bull star seemed nowhere close to winning, but he managed to turn things around and make it to the top step of the podium. Coronel labeled it as the ‘Max round.’

We’ve seen it several times, of course. We saw it in Suzuka. ‘No, that’s not going to happen at all’. It never happens and then he manages to squeeze out the ‘Max round’.

Tom Coronel stated

If Verstappen can get clean air with an early lead, he can comfortably stay out on-track. This would allow the 27-year-old to take another victory. Though, Tom Coronel doesn’t think that this can realistically happen considering the car’s performance.

Then he can stay in front, because the rest are driving in dirty air. These are, I think, his chances. But not because he’s faster in combination with the car.

Tom Coronel added

Certainly, Max Verstappen is a born racer who always aims to win. However, the four-time world champion also remains realistic when it comes to difficult situations. While Verstappen will leave no chance to win the race, he would likely be content with a podium finish if McLaren once again remain dominant on-track.

Read More: Lewis Hamilton Reportedly Brings $58 Million Profit to Ferrari Despite Hopeless 2025 Run