The last lap: fans, drivers bid fond farewell to ‘old school’ Dutch Grand Prix

‘It’s definitely going to be missed, for sure. It’s always been really fun to drive,’ four-time world champion Max Verstappen says

For three days a year, the quiet residential street of Van Speijkstraat in the sleepy Dutch beach resort of Zandvoort transforms itself into a sea of orange streamers and chequered flags, welcoming Formula One fans from around the world.

Party tunes blast out from house parties, children sell home-made lemonade and friendship bracelets from little “pit stop” stalls and colossal posters of local hero – four-time world champion Max Verstappen – flutter in the sea breeze.

But to the regret of fans and drivers alike, Sunday marks the last edition of the Dutch Grand Prix, which returned to the circuit in 2021 but simply isn’t generating enough profits for the promoters.

“We try to make the greatest party ever,” said housewife Sabine Volkers, 38, as her children danced on the street and tried to entice passers-by to buy lemonade.

“Like no other,” proclaim promotional banners flying all over Zandvoort and most people in Formula One agree that the fans and circuit combine to create a unique experience.

Often referred to as “old school” (it hosted its first race in 1952), the track snakes through sand dunes only a short walk from the North Sea beach.