The secret of Verstappen's restart? "Paying attention, as always

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4 September 2022 at 16:24
  • GPblog.com

Jos Verstappen contracted the coronavirus last week and could not be present at Circuit Zandvoort on Friday and Saturday, but on Sunday the former Formula 1 driver could be found in the paddock. Verstappen sr. has recovered and he is very happy to have witnessed his son's victory from the circuit.

Verstappen looked to be comfortably in the lead, but a safety car threw a spanner in the works. "It's always exciting. If a car stops on the track, then you know it will be a virtual safety car or safety car, but you just don't know [which of the two]. You have to be ready at all times with the right strategy. I think the team and Max together handled that well, just perfectly."

Verstappen sharp at restart

At the restart, Verstappen had to get past his rival Lewis Hamilton from second place, but it seemed as if the Mercedes driver was standing still. Verstappen passed him at lightning speed. The secret? "Paying attention, as always. You just have to be there. We know we have a fast car on the straight and he just closed in well. He sat on it and then it is possible," Jos told Viaplay.

It was a relief for the 50-year-old Dutchman to go to the circuit on Sunday. "It feels amazing to be able to taste the atmosphere here as well".