The Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix is back, and hometown hero Max Verstappen is ready to shine in front of his passionate “Orange Army” at Circuit Zandvoort. The four-time World Drivers’ Champion flashed a confident smile as he arrived for the race weekend, signaling his excitement for the 2025 edition of his home Grand Prix, set to take place from August 29-31. With the iconic dunes of Zandvoort awash in orange, Verstappen’s presence promises an electrifying atmosphere as fans rally behind their star driver.
Verstappen, who has dominated the Dutch Grand Prix since its return to the F1 calendar in 2021, winning three consecutive races from 2021 to 2023, is eager to reclaim victory after McLaren’s Lando Norris broke his streak in 2024. Despite a challenging 2025 season with only two Grand Prix wins so far, Verstappen remains a formidable force, coming off a commanding Sprint victory at the Belgian Grand Prix. “To have a win here at Spa, for me, it’s a Sprint win, but it still counts, and I’m very happy,” Verstappen said after his Belgium triumph, a sentiment he hopes to carry into Zandvoort.
The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix marks the penultimate appearance of the event on the F1 calendar, with organizers confirming that 2026 will be its final edition due to financial considerations and uncertainties surrounding Verstappen’s future in the sport. Robert van Overdijk, director of the Dutch Grand Prix, admitted that extending the event beyond 2026 risked becoming “completely dependent on what Max is going to do,” given the driver’s massive draw for Dutch fans. Verstappen, contracted with Red Bull until 2028, has hinted at possibly stepping away from F1 early to focus on family, adding extra significance to this weekend’s race.
The Circuit Zandvoort, known for its tight, twisting layout and dramatic banked corners like the 18-degree Arie Luyendijkbocht, presents a unique challenge for drivers. Verstappen, who has described the track as “pretty insane” and “old-school,” has a strong track record here, holding three wins and three pole positions, tying him with legends Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda, and trailing only Jim Clark’s record of four victories. However, practice sessions on Friday, August 29, showed McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri setting a blistering pace, with Verstappen struggling in FP1, finishing sixth and beaching his Red Bull in the gravel after a practice start mishap.
Despite the early setback, Verstappen remains optimistic, buoyed by the electric support of the Dutch crowd. “The atmosphere is always incredible here. The Orange Army makes it special,” he said in a recent interview, as shared by Red Bull Racing on X. Fans can expect a vibrant weekend, with the circuit transformed into a sea of orange, complete with pumping Eurobeat music and a festival-like vibe just a 30-minute train ride from Amsterdam.
Qualifying is set for Saturday, August 30, with the main race on Sunday, August 31, where Verstappen will aim to leverage his experience and home support to challenge McLaren’s dominance. With Charles Leclerc securing pole in a dramatic Q3 session and Verstappen starting from P8, the stage is set for a thrilling battle. As Pirelli celebrates its 500th Grand Prix as an official F1 presence, the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix promises to be a historic and emotional event for Verstappen and his fans.
Will Verstappen add a fourth Dutch Grand Prix win to his illustrious career and match Jim Clark’s record? Or will McLaren’s Norris and Piastri continue their charge in the championship fight? One thing is certain: Zandvoort is ready to roar.
