The Dutch Grand Prix only returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 exclusively thanks to the huge interest in Verstappen, who has caused flocks of orange-clad Dutch fans to not only cheer him on in Zandvoort but across all European races.
Verstappen has yet to disappoint the home fans, completing a hat-trick of Dutch GP wins on Sunday in front of some of the most energetic, sold out grandstands of the year.
PLUS: How Verstappen defied home pressure and two downpours to win F1's Dutch GP
A mixed weather race offered several ways for Verstappen and Red Bull to trip up, but the Dutchman always remained in control, appearing to be immune to pressure as he snared his ninth consecutive win, matching Sebastian Vettel's all-time record.
But according to Red Bull team principal Horner, the burden of expectation was definitely weighing on the two-time world champion last weekend.
"Oh of course, you'd be a robot not to [feel the weight of expectation]," Horner said. "And you could see in his face, you've got 100,000 Dutch men and women singing the national anthem.
"That's a big moment for him, for any national driver, and I think that he's got the royal family here, coming to see him just before he steps into the car.
"He's got so much expectation. You have to feel that and I think it must be a huge relief for him when he leaves the circuit tonight that he's ticked that box.
"I think the tension always is growing. He's got a good team around him. He's not been overworked, overstretched this weekend. He's treated it like a normal grand prix weekend."
Source: Autosport