Foxes, firsts and Dutch pride – 7 side stories that stole the show in Zandvoort

Max Verstappen’s home charge fell just short of the win after Oscar Piastri dominated the weekend, but the sea of orange still lifted Zandvoort into full party mode, with the off-track action at the Dutch Grand Prix keeping fans buzzing all weekend.

Zandvoort proved yet again it’s equal parts festival and Formula 1. Here are seven moments you might have missed from the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix.

A breakthrough podium

Rookie sensation Isack Hadjar etched his name into the history books with his first-ever F1 podium, finishing third in front of a jubilant Dutch crowd. As the Racing Bulls driver pulled into parc fermé, fellow drivers lined up to congratulate him, with hugs, pats on the back, and plenty of smiles for the young superstar.

The blooper reel began right after the chequered flag, as Hadjar looked hilariously confused about finding his way to the podium.

As if the day wasn’t memorable enough, Hadjar accidentally broke his trophy during the celebrations. It seems Hadjar’s rookie year now comes complete with his very own entry in F1’s accidental-trophy-damage hall of fame.

Marshall madness

The Zandvoort marshals have become icons in their own right, and 2025 was no exception. Between sessions, cameras caught them waving flags in rhythm, dancing on the barriers, and hyping up the crowd.

Their enthusiasm mirrored the energy in the stands and proved once again that at the Dutch Grand Prix, everyone, even the officials, are a part of the spectacle of Zandvoort.

Fur-mula 1

Qualifying took a turn when an unexpected intruder joined the action, a fox darting across the circuit in front of Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari. Fortunately, the creature made it across safely and Leclerc carried on undisturbed.

The incident was a reminder that Zandvoort, being nestled in the dunes, is still very much part of nature’s playground, as well as the drivers'!

Football meets F1

The Dutch Grand Prix doubled as a football reunion, with Dutch legend Ruud Gullit, the former Chelsea, AC Milan and Netherlands star, soaking up the paddock buzz. On Sunday, World Cup winner Paulo Dybala, currently playing for AS Roma, took centre stage as he waved the chequered flag to close out the race.

Xavi Simons, who signed for Tottenham on Friday before being officially presented to the team's crowd on the same day, still couldn’t miss the action in Zandvoort, which he attended on Sunday. He was happy to be in his hometown and eagerly rooted for Verstappen.

Crowns in the crowd

Adding to the prestige of the event, members of the Dutch Royal Family were spotted in the paddock, joining tens of thousands of fans in celebrating the nation’s premier sporting weekend.

Their presence has become something of a tradition, underscoring how the race has grown into a point of national pride since its return to the calendar in 2021.

The Orange Wave

Zandvoort once again turned into a sea of orange, with grandstands moving in unison as fans roared Verstappen on. From coordinated chants to choreographed flag waves, the atmosphere felt less like a race and more like a national celebration.

The Orange Army were the heartbeat of the weekend, showcasing the pride and passion that has made the Dutch Grand Prix one of F1’s most unique stops.

The festival beyond the track

For many, the race is just one part of the Dutch Grand Prix experience. Beyond the roar of engines, Zandvoort turned into a full-scale party with DJs, live acts, and beachside stages running long into the night. Fans were treated to sets from Oliver Heldens, Snollebollekes, and Afrojack, alongside Dutch favourites like Yves Berendse and Kraantje Pappie.

The mix of international names and homegrown stars gave the weekend its signature race-meets-rave energy. With music thumping from the dunes and thousands of supporters dancing in unison, the Dutch Grand Prix once again proved it’s as much a cultural event as a sporting one.