The Dutch Grand Prix concluded its six-year modern Formula 1 era at Circuit Zandvoort on Sunday, marking the circuit’s final scheduled race on the championship calendar.
Local organizers decided not to renew their expiring agreement with Formula 1 management, citing the financial risks involved without government subsidy support.
Over 300,000 visitors attended the race weekend in the dunes, with 100,000 fans filling the grandstands on Sunday.
Opening lap crash for Verstappen
The race was disrupted almost immediately when Red Bull driver Max Verstappen crashed into the barrier during the first lap.
Verstappen lost control on a damp section of track at the final banked corner, hitting the wall at over 200 kilometres per hour and sending debris across the circuit.
He stepped out of the heavily damaged car unhurt, and trailing drivers avoided colliding with the bouncing chassis.
Verstappen took full blame for the driving error and apologised to his team over the radio.
International press reactions
European newspapers highlighted the contrast between the festive atmosphere in Zandvoort and the abrupt end to Verstappen’s race.
German daily Bild called the outcome memorable for the wrong reasons, while Spanish newspaper AS noted that such major driving errors remain rare for the four-time world champion.
French publication L’Equipe described it as a minor miracle that Verstappen emerged uninjured and that no other cars struck his vehicle.
Italian sports daily La Gazzetta dello Sport gave the home driver a rating of four out of ten for his weekend performance.
Race finish and driver farewells
Despite the early exit of the Dutch driver, the crowd remained in place to watch McLaren driver Lando Norris claim victory after passing Andrea Kimi Antonelli and Lewis Hamilton.
Spanish daily Marca reported that the event marked the end of an era for one of the most distinctive and scenic races on the schedule.
Drivers also reflected on the departure of the coastal venue, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri praising the circuit layout and banked turns while noting the logistical challenges of hosting the sport in a small seaside town.
