Verstappen chasing record-equalling ninth win in a row

Max Verstappen can equal Sebastian Vettel's record nine wins in a row this weekend as Formula One ends its August break and heads for the Dutch seaside dunes of Zandvoort.

The 25-year-old Red Bull driver can count on a capacity crowd cheering him all the way as he returns home more dominant than ever.

The double world champion is favourite to complete a hat-trick, after winning the two races held at the circuit since it returned to the calendar in 2021, and has a 125 point lead over Mexican team mate Sergio Perez after 12 of 22 rounds.

Red Bull are meanwhile chasing a 14th successive win, and 13th of this season, with the run dating back to Abu Dhabi last year.

Germany's Vettel, now-retired, is the only driver to have won nine races in a row during a single campaign and he did it for Red Bull on his way to a fourth title in 2013.

"I'm excited to get going with the second half of the season now and what better way to start than in the Netherlands," said Verstappen.

"It's an amazing track and of course, the fans are incredible there, so I'm definitely excited to get back on track.

"It looks like the weather could be temperamental there but I don't mind either way, wet or dry, we'll do our best to make sure we score maximum points."

The battle to be best of the rest promises to be more exciting, with Mercedes, Aston Martin, Ferrari and McLaren all ready to pounce if Red Bull have a shock off day and drop the ball.

Ferrari came closest at the previous round in Belgium, with Charles Leclerc finishing third behind the two Red Bulls, and the Monegasque also started on the front row at Zandvoort last year.

"We have a group with Mercedes, Aston, McLaren and sometimes Alpine able to fight for the first rows which means that its an