As the countdown begins to Formula 1’s final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, a quiet sense of nostalgia is beginning to replace the usual roar of orange-clad celebration among Max Verstappen fans.
At the end of this month, the historic venue will host its farewell Formula 1 weekend after a remarkable six-year return to the calendar. For Dutch fans, and especially for Max and his father Jos Verstappen, the occasion promises to be as emotional as it is festive.
Jos Verstappen admitted that the news of Zandvoort’s demise still hurts, even as he reflects with pride on what was achieved.
"It is a shame, certainly for the Dutch fans," said the former Grand Prix driver.
"But I think we should already be grateful that the event came here. You notice it too: circuits like Spa are also struggling. I think we can only be proud of what they have built in Zandvoort."
Those words capture the feeling surrounding the race: sadness that it is ending, but gratitude that it happened at all.
When Zandvoort returned to Formula 1 in 2021, few imagined it would become one of the sport’s most vibrant and distinctive events.
Max Verstappen believes its impact extended far beyond the Netherlands.
"I also understand the reasons behind it, and ultimately... We have experienced some beautiful years there; nobody ever expected this," he said.
"I think a lot of grands prix have learned from this, and that they are adjusting things regarding the experience of a weekend. That is only a bonus."
Memories that will endure
For Verstappen, Zandvoort was never just another race. It was a homecoming, a sea of orange, and a place where he shared unforgettable moments with his supporters.
The four-time world champion won three times there during its modern revival, each victory greeted by scenes that became iconic in Formula 1.
©Red Bull
Looking back, he spoke less about trophies and more about the memories that now belong to him and the fans forever.
"I just think it is wonderful that it happened, that I was obviously able to be a part of it and that we were ultimately able to win a few there," he said.
"No one can take that away from us anymore!"
That sentiment may prove to be the lasting legacy of the Dutch Grand Prix.
The circuit’s final edition, held as a sprint weekend, is expected to deliver one more unforgettable celebration. Yet beneath the music, fireworks and orange grandstands will be a shared awareness that a special chapter is closing.
When the lights go out at Zandvoort for the last time, Formula 1 will lose more than a race. It will say goodbye to an event that brought a nation together around one of its sporting heroes and reminded the sport how powerful a true home grand prix can be.
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