Thierry Vermeulen has not been in racing for long. But already on his third race weekend in the ADAC GT Masters, the young Dutchman achieved his first podium finish, and of all places in front of his home crowd in Zandvoort.
Together with his teammate in the Car Collection Audi #33, Mattia Drudi, Vermeulen drove home second place in Sunday’s race and was “very happy” afterwards in an interview with “Motorsport-Total.com”. The 19-year-old’s ambition speaks for itself, because despite the great result he mourns the victory a bit.
“It can always be better. We could have won,” said Vermeulen. But the Emil Frey Lamborghini #63 driven by Albert Costa/Jack Aitken was too strong for that. Drudi laid the foundation for the podium at the start, where he improved from P4 to P2.
Mattia Drudi: Two keys for P2 in Zandvoort
“I saw Perera and Güven go inside. I had a clear path in front of me and was able to brake very late and overtake on the outside,” said the Italian, describing the start of the race from his point of view. This maneuver was “one of the keys” to second position, according to Drudi.
Another factor: “I just followed Jack. He was very fast, so then I concentrated on my car and tires.” Drudi handed over the R8 to Vermeulen in perfect condition and with a large cushion on the Joos Porsche.
So he had good prerequisites for his stint and is happy: “I was able to do my thing, set my pace and try to keep the car in one piece without doing any crazy actions. Of course, the result came then. I’m very happy with it. Overall I’m very happy for the team. They deserve it too.”
Thierry Vermeulen hot for more podiums
For his part, Vermeulen managed not to overstrain the tyres. Like an old GT3 hand, the young Dutchman drove the result home. Drudi praises his teammates in the highest tones: “He’s doing a mega job, again today.”
The Italian continued: “It wasn’t easy because when you have a gap and then you see cars coming closer again it’s never easy to manage the pressure. And he doesn’t have that much racing experience yet. So what he does , is very good.”
Vermeulen’s sense of achievement, the son of Max Verstappen’s manager, also caused enthusiasm in the stands. Despite the MotoGP race in Assen, 14,500 spectators came to the ADAC GT Masters in Zandvoort over the weekend.
“Of course they were very happy and it’s nice to see that. To see all these people who come here and support this championship and the drivers so happy … It’s a beautiful sight,” says Vermeulen, who is not who wants to leave a podium, proud. He announces: “I hope I can do it again this season.”