The Atmosphere at Circuit Zandvoort Draws International Fans
Rain showers and downpours failed to dampen the mood in the fanzone at Circuit Zandvoort, where half-liters of beer flowed and the “Orange Army” turned out in force, as observed by NOS Nieuws reporter Afke Boven. Marlon, a 23-year-old racegoer from Germany who traveled to the Netherlands with his girlfriend and three friends, praised the local crowd. “The fans are here so different. The Hollanders are party people. They can really party,” Marlon told NOS Nieuws, noting that he attended primarily to support Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc rather than home favorite Max Verstappen.
Similarly, Polish attendees Thomas (49) and Beate (50) emphasized the scale of the local support. “The atmosphere is electric. The Orange Army, their gejuich. This is the place where you absolutely should be if you want to attend an F1 race,” Thomas told NOS Nieuws. The couple noted they came prepared for wet weather with specialized gear, cheering both for Max Verstappen and for rain.
Driver Reactions to the Loss of the Dutch Grand Prix
Defending world champion Lando Norris voiced clear disappointment regarding the schedule change. “I’m very disappointed that it disappears,” Norris told NOS Nieuws, adding that he prefers smaller circuits like Zandvoort over several other tracks currently featured on the calendar.
Echoing those sentiments, veteran driver Sergio Pérez of Cadillac described the venue as one of the finest in global motorsport. “That we don’t come back here in Zandvoort is a big loss for Formula 1,” Pérez told NOS Nieuws. “Zandvoort is a great circuit, one of the most beautiful in the world. This weekend is for the time being the last race, but I secretly hope that the Grand Prix will return soon.”
Podcast Discussions Highlight Verstappen’s Fitness and Form
Ahead of the race weekend, the performance of Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen became a focal point of analysis during a live recording of the NOS Formule 1 podcast hosted at Camping de Duinrand in Zandvoort. Presenter Afke Boven was joined by analysts Ernest Knoors, Jeroen Bleekemolen, and Louis Dekker to discuss a qualifying session and sprint race that proved challenging for a visibly under-the-weather Verstappen.
Despite those sporting hurdles, fan engagement remained high across all demographics. Dianne (41), an attendee interviewed by NOS Nieuws while holding an energy drink, described an emotional connection to the sport. “I get goosebumps from it, really goosebumps. I shed a tear when I hear those engines. That might sound very stupid, but yes. What you have here, you are not going to get anywhere else,” she said.
Did you know? According to NOS Nieuws reporting from the grounds, even the youngest fans participated in the team spirit, with three-year-old visitor Floris dressed in Red Bull Racing apparel to support Max Verstappen before heading toward the nearby Zandvoort beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Dutch Grand Prix leaving the Formula 1 calendar?
According to NOS Nieuws, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is scheduled to leave the race calendar after the current weekend, though specific long-term scheduling decisions and contract expirations drive the removal.
What do drivers think of Circuit Zandvoort?
Drivers including Lando Norris and Sergio Pérez have praised Zandvoort as one of the most beautiful and unique circuits in the world, expressing disappointment that the venue will no longer host Formula 1 races after this season.
How have fans reacted to the weather and the races?
NOS Nieuws reports that international and local fans, including visitors from Germany and Poland, embraced rainy conditions with ponchos and specialized gear while maintaining a festive atmosphere in the fanzone.
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