With the Dutch Grand Prix returning to the F1 calendar after 36 years, Max Verstappen hogged the spotlight in his home race. After storming to pole position, the local hero won the race on the iconic Zandvoort circuit in convincing fashion.

While the 23-year-old celebrated on the podium, he collected a new winner’s trophy. After the events that unfolded, Verstappen took to social media to praise the trophy which he initially disliked.

Max Verstappen admires winner’s trophy after Dutch Grand Prix victory

Although Lewis Hamilton looked quick in qualifying, it was Verstappen who took pole position by a mere 0.038s. On a track like Zandvoort, track position means everything, and the 23-year-old proved that fact in a stellar display of race craft and speed.

As soon as the five lights went out, Verstappen carved out a sizeable lead for himself. While Mercedes attempted a two-stop strategy to try catching Red Bull out, the Austrian outfit called Verstappen in the pits as soon as Hamilton came in. This responsive strategy helped Verstappen stay ahead of the Briton, amidst cheers from the Dutch fans.

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Following his victory, Verstappen draped himself in the Dutch flag on the podium. He then accepted the winner’s trophy, which was made purely of recycled material. Initially, the Dutchman had called the trophy ugly. However, after receiving it on the podium, his thoughts changed right after the race as he admired his latest addition to an ever-growing trophy collection.

On Instagram, Verstappen posted a story with the trophy beside him, and a beer in hand. He wrote a caption in the story, which read, “Most beautiful trophy in the world!”

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Verstappen returns to the top of the driver’s championship

With this victory, the 23-year-old reclaimed the lead in the drivers’ championship after losing it just before the summer break. Although Hamilton got an extra point for the fastest lap, Verstappen now has a three-point lead over the defending world champion.

While the Dutch Grand Prix is now in the past, drivers have little time to recoup. With the next race coming this weekend in Monza, Verstappen will look to extend his advantage in the drivers’ championship.

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