The Netherlands Grand Prix of F1 2025 will have a special atmosphere in the Zandvoort circuit, where Dutch fans will once again dye the stands to support their idol, Max Verstappen. However, unlike previous years, the worldwide tetracampeón arrives without real options to fight for victory.
Verstappen and Zandvoort: an idyll that cools
From the return of the race to the calendar in 2021, Verstappen had chained three consecutive victories and a second place in 2024, only behind Lando Norris (McLaren). This year, however, the story is different.
With just two wins in 2025 (Suzuka and Icola) and a total of 187 points, the Dutch of Red Bull is far from the fight for the championship, dominated by the McLaren of Oscar Piastri (284 points) and Norris (275 points).
The hegemony of McLaren and the Dqeclive of Red Bull
The overwhelming domain that led Verstappen to win four followed titles (2021-2024) cracked in the middle of last season. The improvements of McLaren have been key, and now Red Bull occupies just the fourth place of the World Cup in Constructors, behind McLaren, Ferrari and Mercedes.
Verstappen himself acknowledges that “I am not really in that fight for the title,” although he insists that he will continue to fight as long as it is “mathematically possible.”
The support of the Dutch fans
Despite the difficulties, the “Oranje tide” follows its champion unconditionally. In Zandvoort, thousands of fans expect the weather conditions – such as a possible rain – can give some opportunity to shine.
“With Max, there are always options,” says Gwenny Somberg, a Dutch follower, reflecting the illusion of an entire country to see his idol at the top of the podium.
Looking to the future
Verstappen, who in 2023 broke the record of consecutive victories (10), is motivated despite the adverse results. With the arrival of the new regulation in 2026, the Dutch hopes that Red Bull can recover ground and return to the top.
Meanwhile, Zandvoort will be a party again this weekend, although the local hero has fewer options than ever succeed at home.
