F1 is about to leave Zandvoort, but Max Verstappen already imagines a way to revive the orange fervor at the Dutch circuit.
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The next Dutch Grand Prix will have a special flavor for Max Verstappen and his supporters. In less than two weeks, Formula 1 will head to Zandvoort for what is expected, at this stage, to be its last appearance on the Dutch circuit.
Returning to the calendar in 2021 following the immense popularity of Verstappen, the event quickly became one of the most spectacular in terms of atmosphere. The stands entirely orange and devoted to the cause of the four-time world champion have accompanied each edition held since its return.
Despite the upcoming disappearance of the event, Verstappen refuses to consider this last edition as a true farewell to Zandvoort.
“This does not feel like a goodbye”
The contract linking the Dutch Grand Prix to Formula 1 has not been extended. The circuit will obviously remain active and continue to host other categories of motorsport, an element sufficient for Verstappen to put the significance of this last race into perspective.
“I see things quite pragmatically. It is indeed the last Formula 1 race, but the circuit will always be there and other championships will continue to go there”, explains the Red Bull driver.
Zandvoort could also remain a place used for various automotive activities outside of traditional competitions.
“Test days can always be organized there, so it really doesn’t feel like a goodbye to me.”
The disappearance of the Grand Prix will nevertheless mark the end, at least temporarily, of one of the biggest popular celebrations on the Formula 1 calendar.
Verstappen proposes to bring back the orange fervor
Max Verstappen acknowledges that the impressive orange stands that have accompanied Formula 1 at Zandvoort since 2021 are likely to disappear with the Grand Prix.
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But the Dutchman already mentions a possibility to gather his supporters again at the circuit: organizing a demonstration day.
“Of course, this huge orange party could come to an end, but maybe we could revive part of it with a demonstration day, as was done in the past.”
Such an event would allow Verstappen to continue driving in front of his national audience even in the absence of a Dutch Grand Prix on the calendar.
The Red Bull driver also now has many activities outside of Formula 1, notably with his own Verstappen Racing structure. However, he has given no concrete details regarding the organization of a possible event at Zandvoort.
A decision that Verstappen understands
The disappearance of the Dutch Grand Prix is not due to a lack of popularity. Since its return, the event has enjoyed strong attendance driven notably by Verstappen’s success.
However, the organizers preferred not to extend their contract with Formula 1 to avoid exposing themselves to significant financial risks in the long term.
A decision that the four-time world champion says he perfectly understands.
“It is great that the Dutch Grand Prix could take place, and especially the way it happened, but I also understand the reasons that led to the decision not to continue.”
“It is important to know when to consider that it is enough and to choose the right moment. We have had very beautiful years. It is very good like this.”
The next visit of Formula 1 to Zandvoort will therefore close a chapter started in 2021. But if Verstappen gets his way, the famous orange tide could well have other opportunities to flood the stands of the Dutch circuit.
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