Max gives Willem-Alexander and Maxima the Royal tour

©RedBull

Formula 1's return to Zandvoort was a massive success on all fronts, thanks in large part to the equally colossal popularity of Max Verstappen.

The Red Bull driver's Orange Army was out in force on all three days of the event to support the efforts of its hero, but Verstappen received the backing of someone special on Sunday: King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, accompanied by his spouse Queen Maxima.

Ahead of his 17th career win in F1, Max treated his prestigious visitors to a Royal tour of the Red Bull garage.

And hours later, standing proud atop the Dutch Grand Prix podium, looking down at the royal couple, the leader of the F1 world championship indulged in a royal wave.