Verstappen Plays Down Popularity Claim: 'I Don't Need to Take Credit'

Max Verstappen has taken a humble approach when it comes to assessing the popularity of motorsport in the Netherlands, insisting he does not need to take credit for the boom.

Since joining the F1 grid in 2015 as a 17-year-old rookie, Max Verstappen has become a national hero. He quickly gathered a cult following as he began winning races and establishing himself as a top-level driver. In 2021, the same year he clinched his maiden title, the Dutch Grand Prix returned to the calendar – but the four-time champion doesn't want to feel responsible for its comeback.

"Well, I don't want to say it's all because of me," Verstappen told Formule 1 Magazine. "I've done my part. Above all, I think it's great to see that motorsports is truly alive in the Netherlands. I don't personally need to take credit for that."

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He also highlighted the contributions of other Dutch drivers. "Fortunately, there are also Dutch drivers who are generally doing well in various classes and making quite an impact at Assen and Zandvoort. It's alive and well, and I think that's great," he added.

When asked why he doesn't want to take credit, he replied: "I don't need to shout that from the rooftops. And it's not important either. It's more important to see that motorsports are popular now and that little boys are now dreaming of motorsports and Formula 1. Of course, Formula 1 is the pinnacle, but even below Formula 1, there are lots of fun things you can do in motorsports."

The Dutch Grand Prix will return later this month, and is set to be the last for some time as a contract extension was not agreed with F1 beyond the current season. The crowd is once again expected to turn out in support of their local driver, as they do at many of the races around Europe with grandstands filled with orange.

"I never would have expected that myself," Verstappen said. "I don't think anyone did. When I entered F1, I didn't think it would all turn out so well. The results, the wins, the titles, and of course the races at Zandvoort."