Max Verstappen’s final Dutch Grand Prix ended in heartbreak after a huge crash on the opening lap at Zandvoort. The race was being held for the final time, making the moment even more painful for the home favourite. Wet conditions added another challenge before the race began. The formation lap took place behind the Safety Car as rain affected the circuit. However, officials still opted for a standing start. Verstappen was then squeezed towards the inside at the final corner. He hit the kerb and lost control of his Red Bull. The car slid up the banked section before crashing heavily into the outside wall. Verstappen was unharmed but his race was over almost immediately. The crash also forced officials to bring out the red flag.
Verstappen quickly confirmed over team radio that he was okay after the frightening impact. His Red Bull teammate Liam Lawson also reacted to the crash while watching the incident unfold. “Is he ok? That was f*** huge. Is he alright?” Lawson said over the radio. Pierre Gasly was another driver who narrowly avoided Verstappen’s car during the incident. The crash brought an abrupt end to what was supposed to be an emotional farewell. The Dutch crowd had gathered to give their home hero one final race at Zandvoort. Instead, they watched him return to the pits on foot. For Verstappen, the final Dutch Grand Prix became a painful memory rather than the celebration fans had hoped for.
“I am ok. Yeah, that’s it”: Max Verstappen crashes out of final Dutch Grand Prix after huge crash
Max Verstappen’s final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort ended in heartbreaking fashion after a huge crash on the opening lap. The Red Bull driver lost control at the banked final corner, Arie Luyendijkbocht. His car appeared to lose traction after hitting the painted white line. It then spun across the track before smashing into the concrete wall. The impact badly damaged the car and scattered debris across the circuit. Verstappen was able to climb out safely and walked back towards the pits. “I am ok. Yeah, that’s it. Aaah, f**k, sorry!” he said over team radio. The crash brought out the red flag and stopped the race.
The incident was especially painful because this was Verstappen’s final race at Zandvoort. The circuit is leaving the Formula 1 calendar after this season. Sky Sports analyst Anthony Davidson described the crash as a huge one for the home favourite. “I’m not surprised to see the red flag come out because that was a huge one for Max Verstappen,” Davidson said. “He was on the inside line and straight into the concrete wall on the inside. An awful impact and I’m pleased to see he’s alright and out of the car.” Audi’s Gabriel Bortoleto also spun during the chaos but avoided a major crash. The race later restarted after the debris was cleared.
