Max Verstappen hailed as "true champion" with F1 rookie in awe of Red Bull star

04 March 2023 , 06:00

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Dutch duo Max Verstappen and Nyck de Vries are good friends (Image: Getty Images)

When first starting out full-time in Formula 1, many drivers are carrying the hopes of not only their team, but also their country.

Oscar Piastri and Logan Sargeant are prime examples. This year, the McLaren star replaces Daniel Ricciardo as the hero of Australia on the grid, while Sargeant is the American racer for whom that ever-growing fanbase in the USA has waited so patiently.

For the other rookie on the grid this year, the story is different. Nyck de Vries will receive tremendous support from the Dutch fans, it goes without saying – but they already have Max Verstappen fulfilling all their hopes and dreams.

"It doesn't change anything for me," the AlphaTauri racer told Mirror Sport when asked about the pressure he feels of flying the flag for the Netherlands.

"In my position, I'm doing my job and I don't think the weight of the country changes anything at all – there are a lot of other aspects which are playing into the pressure and nerves."

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De Vries admits, though, that the story will not quite be the same when the F1 circus pitches its tent in Zandvoort at the end of August. "The home races may be different, where you feel a bit of extra energy. It's one of the races I'm looking forward to the most."

Nyck de Vries is fully focused ahead of his first full F1 season (Getty Images)

Perhaps the reason why he feels little pressure coming from home is because of how successful Verstappen has been. The Red Bull star is gunning for a third-straight world championship success this year, and is also someone De Vries is proud to call a friend.

The 28-year-old continued: "As much as I love and appreciate the enthusiasm of the Dutch, they have a true champion who is currently dominating our sport – Max is on top of his game together with Red Bull and they are doing great. I really enjoy watching that and I think the Netherlands is very lucky to have him and to be able to cheer for a Dutchman fighting for the championship."

Asked about the contact he has had with Verstappen since joining the Red Bull stable, De Vries added: "We speak and talk, but not specifically about the sport. We speak because we know each other and we text and see each other, but nothing really specific. Just as you stay in touch with friends, I guess."

Daniel Moxon