Max Verstappen has all but ruled himself out of contention to win his home Dutch Grand Prix.
Verstappen is due to start third at Zandvoort - the first time he has been off the front-row since F1's return in 2021 after three straight poles and a second place in 2024.
The three-time home winner's Red Bull RB21 machine is a step behind the front-row pair of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris in McLaren's MCL39 based on race pace analysis during practice, which was dominated by Norris, who became the first driver in 2025 to lead all three practice sessions.
Looking ahead to what is the penultimate Dutch Grand Prix before it falls off the calendar after 2026, Verstappen appeared to rule himself out of a victory challenge if the race unfolds as normal.
"It’s a bit unknown, but I do think that what we have on the car should be more stable," Verstappen told media, including RacingNews365, of his race pace.
"But this season in general, our race pace has not been the best in terms of if you compare it to a qualifying lap.
"I just hope that at least we can keep the guys behind us literally behind us in the race. What happens in front of me, I have no control over.
"I’ll just try to do the best I can from my side.
"[Qualifying] was quite tricky with the wind, it was very windy and at some corners you’re a bit guided by what the wind is doing.
"So, the car is pushing or sliding, and I guess we’re not the strongest at the moment, but still, it was not bad."
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Join RacingNews365's Ian Parkes and Nick Golding, as they dissect an eventful qualifying for this weekend's Dutch Grand Prix!
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