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An expectant atmosphere and Max delivered in front of his home crowd. The public appeal for no flares was obviously ignored. I do think this race was more about the occasion and having no crowds at sport for so long just made it that more special.
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The Orange Army kind of made the race and after this expect next years race to be even bigger with more support. Next year they are already planning a stage for everyone to enjoy a music concert after the race. Heineken the race sponsors will be happy and maybe suggested this.
Today was the Dutch Grand Prix at the Zandvoort circuit with all the pressure on Max Vertsappen's shoulders. No Dutchmen has ever won the Dutch Grand Prix and if everyone is honest he is the reason why the Dutch race is now on the racing calendar. This race was more about the Dutch fans as this is what the FIA must dream about knowing they have such a big fan base that will only grow. 70 000 Fans will surely be well over 100 000 next year.
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Max won the race in front of his 70 000 strong Orange Army in what seemed like a comfortable win but in reality was far from it. The teams were unsure how long the tyres would last as during the 3 testing periods on Friday and Saturday the cars do not have a full load of fuel. At all the other tracks they have data to guide them but this track they have nothing as it is brand new.
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Look closer as everyone is not just wearing orange but a Max t-shirt. This guy is seriously marketable and Red Bull racing must be earning a small fortune off their merchandise.
When Hamilton pitted for new tyres very early on Verstappen pitted the following lap to cover the Mercedes team moves. This left Valtteri Bottas out who was now obviously on a 1 stop strategy and not somehting Red Bull had expected.
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5 laps to go and the air is already filled with orange smoke from the flares.
Zandvoort is not really an overtaking track and Mercedes strategy was to use Bottas as a blocker either to win or help Hamilton win. Verstappen eventually passed Bottas on the main straight in front of the Orange Army and the race was done and dusted at that point. Verstappen went on to win by a good 20 seconds as Hamilton pitted to claim the fastest lap securing 1 point. These points are going to be crucial in deciding who is going to win the championship as there is virtually nothing between them currently.
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Refreshing to see no social distancing as there is hope for the rest of us stuck in the regulations that may or may not work.
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I think what is interesting is to see the differences in how the crowds travel to the circuit. The Dutch love cycling obviously as many came by train and cycled to the circuit. The main car parks were more like cycle parks which is something I have never seen before.
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There were so many things happening around not only on the track and the beach had some amazing art works drawn in the sand. Seriously talented people around and this is a shame it will be washed away. Definitely a weekend to try and get to at some point in the future as it just looks like one big party.