Thousands are flocking to Zandvoort for the Formula 1 weekend.
More than 32,000 Formula 1 fans traveled by train from Amsterdam to Zandvoort on Friday morning as the Dutch Grand Prix weekend officially kicked off. The first free practice session started at 8 AM, marking the fifth time the coastal circuit has hosted this race. To handle the large influx of visitors, trains are running every five minutes, and special gates have been set up at busy stations like Amsterdam Sloterdijk to manage the crowds. The Dutch railway company (NS) expects to transport around 50,000 fans daily to and from the event.
The atmosphere in Zandvoort is already on fire. The streets are decorated with orange and checkered flags, the houses are covered with banners, and the locals are turning their gardens into small cafes selling coffee and pastries to race visitors. The merchandise stalls near the station are also seeing a huge turnout, with shirts and caps selling quickly, most of them in orange to support Dutch champion Max Verstappen. Hundreds of fans have also gathered behind the fences and near the hotels in hopes of seeing their favorite drivers.
Local and municipal businesses also benefit from the event. This year, Zandvoort has offered a broader program for residents and tourists, including musical performances and local celebrations, and for the first time, a giant screen at Gasthuisplein for the audience to follow the race. Council member Jan-Jap de Kluit explained that these activities not only keep the crowds engaged but also help distribute the crowds better throughout the city, easing pressure on the trains and supporting local businesses.
Security measures are tight, with bags being searched and alcoholic beverages being checked in festival areas. The city's mayor, David Molenburgh, described the atmosphere as 'very lively,' noting that the weather is expected to be mostly suitable over the weekend. Although next year's race is expected to be the last Formula 1 in Zandvoort, the mayor emphasized that the focus now is on making this year's edition a memorable one.
From a sporting perspective, all eyes are on Max Verstappen, who is looking to reclaim victory on home soil after losing last year to Lando Norris from the McLaren team. Verstappen has only achieved two wins this season and admitted that retaining his title is unlikely, but Dutch fans continue to support him strongly. Forecasts indicate a possibility of rain during Saturday's practice, but Sunday’s race will be mostly dry and sunny, with temperatures reaching 21 degrees Celsius.