Coulthard sends Verstappen warning ahead of Dutch GP

David Coulthard has warned Max Verstappen that he cannot be considered favourite for the Dutch Grand Prix simply because he has won the last three races at Zandvoort.

Since the Dutch GP returned in 2021, Verstappen has won all three events and is seeking to extend his championship lead from the 78 points it currently is upon F1’s return from the summer break. 

Verstappen has not won since June’s Spanish Grand Prix, as Red Bull has been reeled in by rival teams, with 13-time grand prix winner and ex-Red Bull driver Coulthard believing the upgrade race will be key.

“I don’t because I think such is the pace of development that it will be whoever comes with the latest upgrade that really suits that track,” Coulthard exclusively told RacingNews365 when asked if Verstappen should be considered favourite for the Dutch Grand Prix. 

“It is a track where you need absolute commitment from the driver, where like Monaco, can bring you right into play. 

“There’s one thing that we know which is Max is always full attack, but his competitors are tough, you’ve got seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton back winning grands prix. 

“McLaren has two young chargers, George Russell so the sport is incredibly competitive right now. 

No guarantee of success

Coulthard also pointed out that just because Verstappen is considered one of the greatest drivers in F1 history, success is not a given.

“Just because you are the champion, if you look at Michael [Schumacher], Ayrton [Senna], or any of these greats from the past, it does not guarantee that you will have the opportunity or the car for victory,” he said.

“But it is one of the truly great racetracks, it has a great atmosphere and I am looking forward to it.”