Max Verstappen Has “Nothing to Lose” at Dutch GP

Max Verstappen may have “nothing to lose” heading into his home Dutch Grand Prix, with his chances of retaining the Formula 1 world title now almost gone, according to former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer.

The reigning world champion sits 97 points behind Oscar Piastri with 10 races remaining, and Red Bull’s RB21 has consistently lacked the pace to challenge McLaren’s dominant MCL39. With the team’s focus already shifting towards the sweeping regulation changes of 2026, Verstappen’s bid to equal Michael Schumacher’s record of five consecutive titles looks set to fall short.

That means either Piastri or his McLaren teammate Lando Norris is likely to inherit the coveted #1 plate next season.

Even so, Verstappen arrives at Zandvoort with a formidable record. Since the Dutch GP returned to the calendar in 2021, he has won three of four races there, only missing out in 2024 when Norris triumphed – with Verstappen still finishing second.

No Preassure on Max Verstappen

Palmer believes the home crowd could inspire Verstappen to deliver again. Speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, he said: “It’s going to be a boost, it just has to be a boost. The Zandvoort crowd is one of the best of the season, he’ll turn up with a spring in his step, and if he thinks the championship is lost – which it most surely is – he can turn up and think: ‘Oh what is there to play for?’

“But actually, Max turning up in Zandvoort, he’ll know what is to play for because the crowd will be raucous. If he puts it on pole and wins the race, that’s huge.”

Palmer added that while Verstappen faces an uphill task, the Dutch GP could be the perfect reset: “He is up against it, but I do think it is the perfect way for Max to come back after the summer break and a tough race in Hungary to think: ‘Yeah, I can still execute a great race,’ and the crowd will hopefully lift him and spur him to keep pushing.”

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