The upcoming edition of the Dutch GP is once again set to be a spectacle of entertainment. This week, the organization behind the race weekend unveiled plans for an impressive pre-race show. This year, the rendition of the Dutch national anthem, the Wilhelmus, will be performed by opera singer Henk Poort. Accompanied by an orchestra of twenty violinists, he aims to deliver a ‘classical and poignant’ rendition of the national anthem.
Fifteen minutes before the start of the race, Henk Poort, accompanied by twenty string musicians, will sing the Wilhelmus. In doing so, he follows in the footsteps of great artists such as Davina Michelle, Floor Jansen, André Rieu, and Duncan Laurence, who performed the national anthem during previous editions. “Singing the Wilhelmus on the grid of the Dutch GP is a tribute to our country, our culture, and the special bond that the Netherlands has with Formula 1,” said Henk Poort. “I can’t imagine anything more beautiful to be a part of as an artist.”
Unique Flag Action
In addition to Henk Poort, other Dutch acts will also make their appearance during the pre-race show. After the last note of the national anthem, fans can enjoy performances from folk singers Gerard Joling and Yves Berendse – born and raised in Zandvoort – and DJ Outsiders. According to the organization, the latter forms ‘the common thread’ of the entire pre-race show. Berendse is responsible for the now world-famous flag action on the stands of Circuit Zandvoort.”During this year’s flag event, a gigantic banner will also be unfurled. This fan banner, measuring a staggering 100 meters wide and 27 meters high, is a tribute to the ‘Sea of Orange’, the orange stands that Formula 1 fans around the world have come to know.
The famous flag event in the stands of Circuit Zandvoort (ANP)”
