Verstappen breaks lap record at Zandvoort during F1 demo

The Dutchman clocked a 1m19.511s on the 4.307km Zandvoort track, which has been completely resurfaced this year. 

Previously, the lap was a 1m19.880s, which was set by Luca Badoer with a Ferrari F2001 sixteen years ago.

“It is super to be here and driving the Red Bull Racing RB8”, Verstappen told his fans on Saturday. “The V8 engine makes a nice sound, that always makes it extra special.

“It is a slightly different car that I am normally used to, but with a better sound, so that is also better to use here. 

“I know from my Formula 3 period that Zandvoort is a great circuit. There is way more grip now with the new tarmac. It is more comfortable to drive on, because there aren’t that many bumps anymore, that’s very positive.”

Dutch Grand Prix

Verstappen is doing a series of F1 demo runs this weekend as part of a big fan event, which has been organised by his personal sponsor Jumbo for the second year in a row.

Last year’s edition of the 'Jumbo Racedagen driven by Max Verstappen' drew over 100,000 visitors, and this year the numbers are expected to be even higher.

Zandvoort is currently looking into the possibility of organising an F1 Grand Prix race again, with a feasibility study set to conclude this summer.

“If it was up to me, we had it here already, the Grand Prix”, Verstappen said. 

“Of course, that would be very nice, but there is more to it, like a budget and the infrastructure. A lot needs to be done in order to be able to organize this.”

The last Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort was held in 1985, and was won by Niki Lauda.