Max Verstappen’s final home race at the Dutch Grand Prix ended after a single lap following a significant crash in treacherous conditions. The Red Bull driver lost control in the banked final corner at Zandvoort, making heavy contact with the outside barrier.
The incident, which brought out a red flag, occurred on a damp track following a pre-race rain shower. While all drivers started on slick tyres, the final sector remained particularly wet, catching out the four-time world champion.
Verstappen admitted he was caught out by the mixed conditions on the circuit. He explained that he saw a dry line emerging and attempted to accelerate, a decision that proved to be premature on the still-wet surface.
‘It was still quite wet in that corner, and then as soon as I saw the dry patch coming, I was like, now you can accelerate, but clearly that didn’t work.’
The impact caused substantial damage to the RB22, ripping both left wheels from the car and scattering debris across the track. Verstappen confirmed he was uninjured after the accident, which he described as a ‘decent hit’.
Former world champion Nico Rosberg analysed the incident, suggesting Verstappen took a tighter line than other drivers through the corner. This, combined with applying the throttle too early, led to the loss of control on the slippery part of the track.
The crash concluded what Verstappen termed a ‘disappointing weekend’ for Red Bull, who struggled for pace against rivals McLaren, Mercedes, and Ferrari. He had started the race from seventh on the grid after a challenging qualifying session.
The event marked the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, as the race will not be on the Formula 1 calendar from 2027. The race was ultimately won by Lando Norris for McLaren.
