Coulthard amazed by Verstappen and sees chance for victory: 'This guy is a phenomenon'

10:20, 31 Aug

byMarnik Kok

On Saturday in Zandvoort, former Red Bull driver David Coulthard was amazed by Max Verstappen finishing third in qualifying. Could a victory be on the cards for the Dutchman? Coulthard sees one way it could happen.

The McLarens proved to be too fast, after Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris claimed another one-two finish. Yet, the Red Bull driver managed to impress on Saturday.

Earlier in the weekend, two tenths separated the McLarens from 'the rest', including Verstappen, but he even managed to set a purple sector in Q3. He ended up in third place: the highest attainable behind the papayas.

David Coulthard was amazed by the four-time world champion's performance.

"Max to be two and a bit tenths away, fastest in the middle sector, the guy is, as we know, a phenomenon."

Can Verstappen win the Dutch Grand Prix?

Coulthard told this website that Verstappen will not win the race purely based on speed, but as an expert, he does see a golden opportunity for the Dutchman.

"If he was somehow to lead the first lap, then yes (he could win), because the offset to overtake here is just too big, it's like Monaco."

"If he's not in front, no, he'll finish third", said the former Formula 1 driver.

He also praised Red Bull's sister team, after Isack Hadjar finished in fourth place on Saturday. "I think that Hadjar was impressive. That car, the Racing Bulls, is obviously working well. Incredibly close to Max."