'Rivals of Verstappen' enjoy passionate Dutch fans

The Dutch Grand Prix feels like homecoming for Max Verstappen, but Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc will not be the crowd favourites. Still, they too are looking forward to the race at Circuit Zandvoort.

Passion of Dutch F1 fans

The Dutch GP in 2021 was a great success. Despite the fact that only two thirds of the total capacity could be used, the grandstands were full of orange fans. It will be no different in 2022. Indeed, with a sold-out house it will be even busier. Good for Verstappen, but the Dutchman's opponents sometimes have to pay the price.

Yet there is no fear among Verstappen's rivals. Leclerc said he is a big fan of the circuit and also of the fans. "The Dutch fans are very passionate. With Max as World Cup leader they will be even happier this weekend. But hopefully we can win before their eyes. Last year you saw orange everywhere, but I also got a lot of respect from the fans. They were never unkind or anything like that. It's nice to feel so much respect and passion. And hopefully there will be some Ferrari fans as well," the Monegasque said according to the AD.

Hamilton fan of Zandvoort

Where Leclerc was not a big rival of Verstappen in 2021 either, it might have been more difficult for Hamilton. The Briton was Verstappen's main challenger in the title race and battled with Max for pole and victory. Hamilton, however, waxes lyrical about the circuit where he raced in his Formula 3 days and compares the fans at Zandvoort to 'his fans' at Silverstone.

"I really like it when fans bring a lot of energy and atmosphere. This is Max's home race, but that doesn't make it any less cool for me to see all those enthusiastic fans. It must feel for him like I feel at Silverstone, that's special," said the seven-time World Champion.