An additional source of frustration for Max Verstappen before the Dutch Grand Prix.
Prior to Friday’s on-track action at the Dutch Grand Prix, Helmut Marko has disclosed that three-time world champion Max Verstappen felt “grumpy” following an early morning visit from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
WADA tests F1 drivers on a regular basis to ensure fair competition, just like it does for all elite athletes. This time, they visited Verstappen at 7 a.m. to obtain a sample prior to the first practice session at the Zandvoort circuit.
Verstappen did not appreciate the early start and was not happy about this.Max was a little grumpy, Marko told De Telegraaf.It’s just Friday, so let’s not make it seem more important than it is. Because it’s easier to urinate on the first try, people from this type of agency often arrive early.
Verstappen provided his followers with additional details about the incident in a Twitch livestream later in the day. “Oh, by the way, this morning was a lovely morning,” he remarked. “Suddenly, while I’m in bed, the doorbell rings. What the fk, I’m thinking? Who the fk is ringing the doorbell in the motorhome?
“I check my phone, and it is seven o’clock. Think, “What the fk?” How the fk is this happening? I approached the door, pulled it open, and sure enough, doping control. Mate, it’s 7 AM. What a fantastic way to start the weekend. After that, I needed an hour to use the restroom!”
Verstappen has experienced highs and lows during this past weekend. The Dutchman had lost four straight races going into the Dutch Grand Prix, which was a record for him during the ground effect era. Then, in front of his devoted home fans, he set the tone early in the first quarter with a pirouette.
During the remaining practice sessions, Red Bull’s star driver demonstrated some impressive long-distance speed, but in qualifying, he was unable to match his closest rival for the title, Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri was behind Verstappen when he set his car on the second row of the grid, but the Brit in pole position was ahead of him by more than three tenths of a second.
Verstappen isn’t entirely sure he can defeat the pole sitter to the finish line and win the Dutch GP for the fourth time in a row going into race day. He said, “I mean, I would hope so, but I think it’s going to be very tricky when you see the gap.”
In addition, Lando seems to be feeling happier overall based just on his driving. I’m not sure if the balance will stabilize tomorrow because I’m a little off-kilter right now, but we’ll see.
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