King Willem-Alexander was once again present at the penultimate edition of the Dutch GP – after all, our head of state is a fan of Max Verstappen from the very beginning. The Dutch driver has been dominating the premier class for several years, but nowadays it is McLaren that is coloring the sport orange. Willem-Alexander admires Verstappen’s loyalty, who, despite the lack of competitiveness, remains faithful to Red Bull.
The past Dutch GP was also the penultimate edition for the king and his family. The racing festival at Zandvoort will come to an end with a final sprint weekend in 2026. “Let’s enjoy it even more,” he responded to De Telegraaf. “I fully understand the financial considerations made to stop. You simply cannot take certain risks if you do not have support and have to cough up everything yourself.” The Dutch GP at Zandvoort is one of the few Grands Prix without government support.
“For me as a fan, and for all those more than 100,000 people present here, it is extra regrettable,” he continued. “I hope they enjoyed it a bit extra now, and that will certainly happen next year.” However, he is also aware that Zandvoort does not have to disappear from the calendar forever. “After 1985 we all thought it would never happen again, so who knows,” said the king hopefully. The fact that Max Verstappen had little chance of a new victory this weekend does not detract from his enthusiasm for the sport.
King Willem-Alexander Praises Verstappen
“For us Dutch people, it is of course a pity that Max is not competing for the title this year, but of course I will keep watching,” said Willem-Alexander. “Max remains a top-notch sportsman, who is terribly upset that it probably won’t work out this season. But that has mainly to do with the technique and everything that comes with it. Another time it will certainly go better. That’s also part of the sport.”
During a tour of the grid before the start of the race, the king scrutinized the current championship. “It’s amazing how quickly McLaren has risen,” he told Viaplay. “That’s truly incredible. I just congratulated Max Verstappen on his qualification.” According to experts, the third starting position was the best the Dutchman could achieve. Subsequently, King Willem-Alexander praised Verstappen’s loyalty, who will remain faithful to Red Bull next year. “It’s indicative of Max’s professionalism that he wants to make the best of it next year, with those new cars. I find that very admirable.”
