Max Verstappen plays down popular claim: 'I don't need to take credit'

Max Verstappen has outlined he does not wish to take credit for the rise in motorsport popularity in the Netherlands.

Verstappen joined the F1 grid in 2015 as a 17-year-old rookie to smash the youngest driver record.

He quickly gathered a cult status in his home country as he began to win races and establish himself as a top-level F1 driver.

In 2021, the same year in which Verstappen won his maiden F1 title, the Dutch Grand Prix returned to the calendar - however 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.” 

“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.”

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.”