The litmus test to determine whether Verstappen will be beaten everywhere

Max Verstappen came to his fetish circuit: Zandvoort. Not only because the Dutchman is racing at home but because the records since the track returned to the calendar in 2021 are simply unmatched. In three editions he has three poles and three wins. For this reason, if he does not win the Netherlands GP that will take place next weekend it will be clear that the pairing formed at Red Bull will be beaten anywhere.

And the 2024 Formula 1 season began in what seemed like an extension of 2023. Verstappen won seven of the first 10 races. However, the story in the next four changes significantly. Since his last victory, at the Spanish GP, the Dutchman has been on the podium just once.

Red Bull’s insulting hegemony is now behind us. Before the summer break is clearly the strongest McLarenwhich added a double to Hungary and mercedeswhich would have added another in Belgium had it not been for Russell’s disqualification for not reaching the minimum weight following his victory at Spa.

The World Cup on the track

It’s been years since Verstappen went so many races without lifting the winner’s trophy at a GP. Zandvoort is Max territory without any discussion, although we can also say the same about Austria and it was already defeated at the end of June. Not winning at home will be a bit of a ‘stick’ for the three-time champion.

Of course, make no mistake. The Dutchman is picking up points from under the rocks to consolidate himself at the top of the classification. Despite having up to the third best car on the grid in some races, Verstappen gained an advantage of 88 points over Lando Norris. There are many races left (10 in total) but there is plenty of room to manage. Unless there is a radical change, in December he will have his fourth consecutive world champion title. In case anyone ever doubted the magnitude of the legend that is the Dutchman.