Max Verstappen reported a ‘goosebumps moment’ during the Drivers’ Parade at the Circuit Zandvoort today, Sunday, August 23, 2026. The Red Bull driver described the experience as ‘really special’ amidst an enthusiastic home crowd. This event marks the final Dutch Grand Prix for the foreseeable future, adding a significant emotional layer to the weekend.
The Dutch Grand Prix organisers confirmed they would not renew their contract with Formula 1 due to high private funding costs. This decision brings an end to the event’s current tenure on the calendar. Verstappen has openly expressed his disappointment regarding the departure of his home race.
During the parade, Verstappen was met with loud cheers and chants from the ‘Orange Army’. The atmosphere at Zandvoort is consistently described as a festival, with fans packing the grandstands and surrounding areas. This strong support has been a hallmark of the Dutch Grand Prix since its return.
Verstappen will start the race from seventh position on the grid. This follows a challenging qualifying session where Red Bull Racing’s RB22 car lacked the pace of its rivals. Lando Norris secured pole position for McLaren, with George Russell starting second for Mercedes.
The four-time World Champion is currently sixth in the 2026 Drivers’ Championship standings. He has accumulated 109 points after eleven rounds, securing four podium finishes but no victories this season. Red Bull Racing also sits sixth in the Constructors’ standings.
Verstappen is competing this weekend while battling an illness, which has added a physical strain to his performance. For this final home race, he is wearing a special dark race suit and a custom Delftware-inspired blue and white helmet.
The Dutchman has been critical of the 2026 technical regulations throughout the season. He stated that the new power unit rules, which split internal combustion engine and electrical deployment, reduce the impact of driver skill. Verstappen believes these regulations make cars easier to drive at the limit.
Despite the team’s current performance challenges and his starting position, Verstappen remains focused on the race. He aims to deliver a strong performance for his dedicated home supporters. The race is scheduled to commence at 15:00 local time.
