Thousands already arrived in Zandvoort for Formula 1 weekend; Merchandise in high demand

Around 32,000 Formula 1 fans made their way to Zandvoort via trains from Amsterdam on Friday morning ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, according to the NS. The first open practice sessions are underway at the circuit, which opened its gates at 8 a.m. on Friday. This marks the fifth time the race is being held at the seaside venue.

Many fans aboard the trains are donning Ferrari and Red Bull Racing apparel, the latter supporting Dutch driver Max Verstappen. To manage the influx of spectators, access gates have been installed at stations like Amsterdam Sloterdijk to regulate platform entry during peak times.

Several roads around Zandvoort are closed to vehicles, and trains are running every five minutes between Amsterdam Centraal and Zandvoort. The NS expects to transport 50,000 people to and from the event each day.

Merchandise stands at the Stationsplein in Zandvoort are popular, with t-shirts, bucket hats, and baseball caps selling quickly, an employee told the ANP. Many spectators are dressed in orange. An NS employee welcomed visitors over a megaphone: “Have a great day at the most beautiful circuit in the world.”

Homes in Zandvoort have also been decorated for the event. Finish-line and orange flags hang over the roads leading to the circuit, and music can be heard at various locations. Local residents hope to benefit from the crowds by selling coffee and pastries from their gardens. Some have also placed barrels for visitors to deposit returnable cans and bottles.

Outside the circuit, a few hundred fans are gathered behind fences along an access road, hoping to catch a glimpse of the drivers. Several fans are also gathered outside the NH Zandvoort hotel.

The municipality has expanded its program this year to benefit residents and local businesses. Formula 1 alderman Jan-Jaap de Kloet stated, "There's a lot happening in the village this weekend. It's busy, and there are occasional traffic jams. Even the beach used to be very quiet during the Grand Prix. With additional activities, we can give something back to the residents and businesses."

This year, more activities have been planned both at the circuit and in the village. These include performances by artists and, for the first time, a large screen at Gasthuisplein where spectators can follow the race activities. Folk singer Yves Berendse performed on Thursday evening.

According to De Kloet, the additional activities also help distribute crowds, particularly at the end of the day when many spectators head for the trains. “But it’s also good for the village and local businesses if people stay longer,” he said. “There’s a lot happening in the village this weekend. It’s busy, and there are occasional traffic jams. Even the beach used to be very quiet during the Grand Prix. With additional activities, we can give something back to the residents and businesses.”

Visitors to the race festival in the town center will undergo access checks. At entry, people are screened to ensure they are not bringing in alcohol, and young adults between 18 and 25 can only purchase alcohol if they have a wristband.

Mayor David Moolenburgh expects “an incredibly great event” again. “The weather looks fairly good, and the atmosphere is lively. Zandvoort is completely ready.”

Next year is expected to be the last Formula 1 race in Zandvoort. Moolenburgh doesn’t want to think about that yet: “Next time, there will undoubtedly be a few tears because it will be the last race, but right now we are focused on this year’s edition. It will be another celebration just like we know it.”

For the first time, visitors with visual impairments can follow the practice sessions via dedicated commentary on the official Dutch GP app. Special commentators provide live coverage of the track events in a descriptive way, making it clear what is happening for those watching. Organizers do not yet know how many people will use this service.

Max Verstappen will be hoping to get back to winning ways in the Grand Prix. The Dutch driver failed to win his home race for the first time since it returned to the calendar in 2021 last year. Lando Norris of McLaren was victorious. Verstappen has secured two wins in the 2025 season, with his last victory occurring in May. He has acknowledged that retaining his championship title this year is unlikely.

The weather forecast for the weekend indicates a mix of conditions. The third practice session on Saturday, starting at 11:30 a.m., has a high chance of showers. However, the qualifying session later that day is expected to have a lower chance of rain. Sunday's race is anticipated to be dry, with mostly sunny conditions and a high of 21 degrees Celsius.

Friday began dry and sunny, but later in the day, it became cloudy with a few showers, and there was a chance of a thunderstorm.