Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing): In orange on his favourite circuit

Depending on how you count them, Max Verstappen has one, two, three or even four home races in Formula 1: Zandvoort in the Netherlands is a clear-cut case. Verstappen races under a Dutch licence, and his fans call themselves the ‘Orange Army’. Spielberg in Austria is the home race for his team, Red Bull Racing – and, in a sense, so is Silverstone in the UK: Red Bull Racing’s factory is based in Milton Keynes, England. And the upcoming Belgian Grand Prix is, in turn, a personal home race for Verstappen: he was born in Belgium, and his mother is Belgian. Consequently, the race at Spa-Francorchamps holds a special place in Verstappen’s heart.

Spa is Verstappen’s favourite circuit

Ahead of the race weekend in Belgium, Verstappen says: “It’s my favourite circuit on the calendar, and it’s always lovely to return there.” That’s why he’s also planned something special: “I’ll be wearing the special ‘Orange Lion’ helmet again, which is a tribute to the fans here – they’re incredible and have supported me enormously over the years.” An orange lion for his fans all over the world – and the Netherlands isn’t far away either.

Verstappens ‹Orange Lion›-Helm

Foto: Red Bull Racing

However, Verstappen’s favourite circuit is likely to feel a little different this year due to the new engine regulations. The Red Bull Racing driver said: “I think it might be a bit trickier on the straights because of the energy management restrictions, but we’ve always done well here in the past, so you never know what’s going to happen.” Engine power can make all the difference at Spa – an area where Red Bull Racing is strong. However, the drivers will probably have to recharge the battery a lot on this high-speed circuit.

Things didn’t go well for Verstappen in the last race at Silverstone. He crashed at Stowe Corner shortly before the end of the race and, as a result, scored no points. Verstappen: “It was good to have a little break, and although Silverstone was a tough weekend, I was back at the factory with the team on the simulator last week.”

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