Max Verstappen Dutch GP crash explained as Nico Rosberg identifies costly mistake
14:00, 24 Aug
2 Comments
Ben Hunt is an award-winning motorsport journalist with over two decades of experience in Formula 1 and international media. As a former editor-in-chief and bestselling author, he delivers in-depth analysis and strategic insight from the highest level of the sport.
Max Verstappen’s final Dutch Grand Prix ended in spectacular fashion on the opening lap, but 2016 Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg believes the Red Bull driver made a crucial mistake that ultimately sent him into the barriers.
Verstappen’s home race was over almost immediately after he lost control at Zandvoort’s final corner, hitting the outside wall and scattering debris across the circuit. Thankfully, the four-time world champion walked away from the heavily damaged Red Bull unharmed.
The incident triggered a red flag and created an extraordinary start to the final Dutch Grand Prix, with the race eventually won by Lando Norris ahead of Mercedes pair Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.
But Rosberg, analysing the crash, believes the explanation goes beyond simply blaming the damp conditions.
According to the former Mercedes driver, Verstappen approached the final corner differently from the cars around him before getting back on the throttle too aggressively. The combination left the Red Bull vulnerable on the slippery section of track.
ADVERTISEMENT
"First of all, it’s wet there. It’s wet/dry. It’s a mix of everything. It’s incredibly difficult,” Rosberg told Sky F1 of Verstappen’s crash. “On slick tyres, to drive through this high-speed corner is the hardest thing in the world.
“Max is clearly tighter than everybody else, and when you look more closely, it looks like the dry patch is offset by like 50 centimetres from the inside.
“I think he just put a bit too much throttle down, and you’re gone. And look, he’s the greatest of the moment, greatest driver out there, one of the greatest of all time. That just goes to show how difficult it is out there in these conditions.”
It was a particularly painful error for Verstappen given the circumstances. Zandvoort has been his strongest home venue since the Dutch Grand Prix returned to the calendar in 2021, with three victories and two second-place finishes before this year's event.
Verstappen himself later admitted he had been “caught out” by the conditions. The impact was substantial, ripping both left wheels from the Red Bull and leaving significant debris on the racing line.
ADVERTISEMENT
With the pack following closely behind, Verstappen's car rebounded from the barrier and moved back across the circuit. Several drivers had to react quickly to avoid the wreckage, while the dangerous conditions increased the potential for a multi-car accident.
Fortunately, nobody else was caught up in the incident.
Don’t miss GPblog in Google
Mark us as a preferred source and our articles will appear more often at the top of Top Stories.
Add as a preferred / source on GoogleRead more about:
latest news
Italian Grand Prix
Overview
Friday 04.09.26
Practice 1
10:30 AM
Practice 2
02:00 PM
Saturday 05.09.26
Practice 3
10:30 AM
Qualification
02:00 PM
Sunday 06.09.26
Race
01:00 PM
Friday 04.09.26
Practice 1
Fri 10:30 AM
Practice 2
Fri 02:00 PM
Saturday 05.09.26
Practice 3
Sat 10:30 AM
Qualification
Sat 02:00 PM
Sunday 06.09.26
Race
Sun 01:00 PM
Times are in your local timezone
Rumors
Popular on GPBlog
1
Alonso proves Aston Martin’s chassis works as Stroll calls Honda engine ‘a lottery’
1848 times read
2
Norris disputes Antonelli's Mercedes claim after beating championship leader at Dutch GP
1705 times read
3
Leclerc joins Hamilton in questioning Ferrari strategy: 'Signing to finish behind Russell'
1090 times read
4
Wolff's razor-sharp after comment about Verstappen: 'Max didn't become champion
851 times read
F1-stand 2026
Season
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
1 | MercedesMER | 242 | |
2 | MercedesMER | 183 | |
3 | FerrariFER | 183 | |
4 | McLarenMCL | 159 | |
5 | FerrariFER | 155 | |
6 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 112 | |
7 | McLarenMCL | 104 | |
8 | Red Bull RacingRBR | 68 | |
9 | Racing BullsRCB | 49 | |
10 | AlpineALP | 44 |
Loading
