7 memorable moments from the Dutch Grand Prix
The Dutch Grand Prix concludes its final race at Zandvoort this weekend after returning to the F1 calendar in 2021. The circuit has delivered historic moments, including Max Verstappen's dominance and McLaren's recent victories.
The Dutch Grand Prix returns to Zandvoort for its final race this weekend, marking the end of a chapter that began in 2021 after a 36-year absence. The seaside circuit, just 25 minutes from Amsterdam, combines historic banking at Turn 3 with a beachside setting, offering a unique challenge for drivers. The event has become a focal point for the 'orange army,' with Max Verstappen winning all three races held there since its return, including a 2023 victory that tied him with Sebastian Vettel for nine consecutive wins.
Robert Kubica's unexpected return to racing in 2021 highlighted the Dutch Grand Prix's role in unexpected storylines. The Polish driver, stepping in for an unwell Kimi Raikkonen, competed despite limited movement in his right arm from a prior rallying accident. His Alfa Romeo teammate Antonio Giovinazzi also delivered a career-best seventh-place qualifying performance that weekend, underscoring the circuit's demanding nature.
Oscar Piastri achieved a Grand Slam at Zandvoort in 2023, becoming the third-youngest driver to do so and securing McLaren's first since 1998. The feat required winning the race, leading every lap, securing pole position, and recording the fastest lap. Lando Norris followed in 2024 by ending Verstappen's dominance at the circuit, adding to McLaren's recent success. Liam Lawson's 2023 debut, prompted by Daniel Ricciardo's injury, further demonstrated the circuit's ability to provide unexpected opportunities for reserve drivers.
The Dutch Grand Prix has featured unique trophies, including a 2024 design inspired by Robbie Williams' Moco Museum exhibition. Isack Hadjar's maiden podium in 2023 was nearly overshadowed when his trophy broke during celebrations, though organizers quickly provided a replacement. Fernando Alonso extended his record for the longest gap between maiden and final podiums to 7,533 days in 2023, while Charles Leclerc's 2025 retirement on a sand dune added a surreal visual to the event's history.