36 years later, Formula 1 was back on the Zandvoort coastal circuit this weekend. And the party was total since the native of the country, Max Verstappen, won in the Grand Prix of the Netherlands. A victory acquired in an indescribable atmosphere, closer to that of a football match than a car race. Used to following their young star to the four corners of Europe, the famous "orange army" of fans has become tidal at home and has swept through the sand dunes of Zandvoort. Starting from pole position, Verstappen had a great race and managed to keep his cool to sign his 17th career victory, the 7th season in front of 70,000 spectators in a trance. 25 points which allow him to regain the lead of the World Drivers' Championship ahead of Lewis Hamilton (224.5 against 221.5).
“
The expectations were really high and it was not so easy (…) For the fans, the king (of the Netherlands) and all those who were counting on me, nothing should be missed. In the end, it was a great day
, ”explained the hero of the day, escorted to the finish line by orange smoke bombs. “
I've never seen a country support its driver in this way
,
it's been a festival
, admired his boss at Red Bull, Christian Horner.
Max was under a lot of pressure, there was a lot of expectation around him. He managed to stay in his zone and have a perfect race with the whole team. You don't feel like he's feeling the pressure, it's phenomenal ”.
