The 2022 Dutch Grand Prix was an electrifying spectacle, a vibrant fusion of high-octane motor racing and an unparalleled festival atmosphere. Far from just a race weekend, it felt like a three-day rave, punctuated by the thrilling roar of Formula 1 cars. Despite the occasional chaos off-track, the on-track action delivered gripping drama, much to the delight of the passionate, orange-clad crowd.
Thursday: The Media Frenzy Begins
As my alarm shrilled at an ungodly 4:20 AM, a wave of instant regret washed over me. Weeks earlier, the decision to drive from the UK to Zandvoort on press day seemed logical. Now, with exclusive interviews lined up with none other than Max Verstappen – the reigning world champion, poised for his home race – and a limited session with Lewis Hamilton later in the afternoon, the early start felt like a necessary sacrifice for what promised to be an extraordinary day.
The six-hour journey, shared with a colleague in a sleek Porsche Cayman, was surprisingly pleasant. We made good time, arriving at the iconic Zandvoort circuit by noon, just in time for the opening media session. The paddock was already buzzing with an anticipatory energy that only a Grand Prix weekend can generate. Our first interview was scheduled with Fernando Alonso, though the Alpine driver was running late, caught in the notoriously heavy Zandvoort traffic. As he finally swept past us, a wry smile on his face, he quipped, “What are you all waiting for?”, his casual humor momentarily easing the frantic pace of the day.
Following Hamilton’s general media session, open to all written press, I was among a select group of four journalists led up to the top tier of the Mercedes motorhome. The sliding doors parted to reveal Hamilton casually leaning against a bar worktop, engrossed in conversation with his teammate George Russell. As we settled in front of him, the seven-time world champion nonchalantly bit into an apple, an image of calm before he began to chew on our questions. True to his recent form, Hamilton was remarkably open and candid, offering insightful answers to my queries. Yet, beneath the surface calm, I observed his leg jiggling subtly under the table as our precious 30-minute window rapidly ticked away, a tell-tale sign of the pressure and constant demands on his time.
As our interview drew to a close, a familiar grin caught my eye: Fernando Alonso was climbing the stairs. A wave of realization hit me – he must have been there to offer an apology for his infamous ‘idiot’ comment directed at Hamilton over the team radio the previous week. Craning his neck around to see what had captured our attention, Hamilton smiled knowingly before turning back. “I’m here for my hat,” Alonso declared, a playful reference to Hamilton’s social media posts earlier in the week, as we were politely ushered out.
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Next on the agenda was my highly anticipated exclusive chat with Max Verstappen. The reigning champion appeared remarkably relaxed, a stark contrast to the intense competitor seen on track, as he settled down ahead of his crucial home grand prix. Having had limited one-on-one time with Verstappen previously, this opportunity for direct conversation was invaluable. It offered a chance to connect with the man who, in the span of just eighteen months, had evolved from a promising ‘rising star’ to the undisputed ‘man to beat’ in Formula 1. His casual stride into the expansive Red Bull motorhome, the swift removal of his sunglasses, and the intense focus with which he listened in the relative quiet of the space were striking. While he gave little away, as is often his style, a noticeable shift in tone and a wide smile broke across his face when our conversation turned to the topic of his mother, revealing a softer side beneath the competitive exterior.
After wrapping up the day’s demanding schedule, the challenge of returning to the hotel began. Despite assurances of a dedicated shuttle service for media, it seemed few at the circuit were aware of its existence. After some persistent searching and a stroke of luck, I managed to locate one, ensuring a timely return to the hotel and a much-needed meal. Day one at the Dutch Grand Prix was a whirlwind of exclusive insights and logistical hurdles, setting a thrilling precedent for the weekend ahead.
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Friday: Orange Army and Paddock Drama
Friday brought another early start, with the persistent challenge of media logistics. I was acutely aware of the rigid shuttle schedule: three departures in the morning at 6:30 AM, 8:30 AM, and 10:30 AM, and two in the evening. Missing one meant a two-hour wait for the next, an unworkable scenario given the packed media schedule. Opting for the 8:30 AM shuttle, the earliest I could effectively be in the paddock, I braced myself for the day.
Upon arrival, the sheer scale of the ‘Orange Army’ was immediately apparent. Fans had already descended upon the circuit in their thousands, creating a vibrant, impassable sea of orange. Navigating through the jubilant crowds was a challenge in itself. Children, adorned in free Verstappen cloaks emblazoned with a huge lion’s face on the back, were a common sight, amplifying the festive mood. Unable to resist the charm, I collected one for my niece back home, knowing she would undoubtedly appreciate the unique souvenir.
Amidst the vibrant fan spectacle, murmurs began to ripple through the paddock regarding the long-awaited decision on the Oscar Piastri fiasco. The air was thick with anticipation, hinting that an announcement was imminent. Alpine had been fiercely battling in court to retain their highly-rated reserve driver after he had controversially signed with McLaren. Moments later, the news officially broke, confirming the contentious outcome and sparking a furious flurry of typing in the media center as journalists scrambled to report the significant development. This dramatic off-track story added an unexpected layer of intrigue to the Formula 1 weekend.
For the practice session, I made my way up to the commentary box, which offered a truly unique, panoramic view of the entire Zandvoort circuit, including the famously steep banking at the final corner. It was a perfect vantage point to observe the intricate dance of the cars. Later, as I ventured back into the motorhome paddock – uniquely split into two sections at Zandvoort – the music from around the circuit began to blare, escalating into a full-blown party. The infectious energy was palpable, a truly unforgettable party vibe. The Dutch fans, without question, demonstrated their mastery in creating an unparalleled and electrifying atmosphere.
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Saturday: Qualifying Thrills and Shuttle Woes
While the overall organization felt somewhat chaotic, particularly with the crowds, the media shuttles had at least proven reliable for their timings the previous night, whisking me back to the hotel in a swift 30 minutes. However, Saturday brought a fresh wave of disappointment. An additional 8 AM shuttle had been promised to ensure media arrived promptly for the crucial morning press conference. Yet, as the clock ticked past, no transportation arrived outside the hotel, forcing a frantic, unscheduled dash to the paddock, adding unnecessary stress to an already demanding day.
This string of logistical mishaps finally provoked complaints from the media contingent. We were eventually met by some of the circuit promoters, who, attempting to alleviate the situation, escorted us through the burgeoning crowds towards a fleet of buggies. However, these proved largely pointless due to the sheer hoards of fans, making forward progress agonizingly slow. Opting for the quicker route, I abandoned the buggy and walked, arriving just in time for the highly anticipated press conference. This session was particularly significant, featuring representatives from both Alpine and McLaren, ready to face a barrage of questions about the dramatic Oscar Piastri saga that had unfolded just the day before. It was a session I was anxious not to miss, eager to hear the teams’ perspectives.
As qualifying approached, the music once again blared, signaling the continuation of the non-stop party. The grandstands presented an almost entirely orange vista, as if tickets had been exclusively allocated to those donning the national color. A minor concern arose when a pair of orange flares were thrown onto the track during qualifying, briefly disrupting the session. However, despite this isolated incident, I largely observed a family-friendly atmosphere throughout Zandvoort, with the vast majority of fans sensibly and enthusiastically enjoying their time.
Making my way down to the mix zone to interview the drivers after qualifying, there was no need to consult the screens to know who had claimed pole position. The roar from the crowd, a deafening wave of jubilation, confirmed it: Max Verstappen had snatched pole from Charles Leclerc by an agonizingly tight two-hundredths of a second. The circuit erupted once more. The pounding music only paused for the fleeting moments of on-track sessions, quickly resuming its role as the soundtrack to the Zandvoort experience.
Before leaving the track, I paused to speak with David Coulthard, the 13-time Grand Prix winner and a familiar face from my W Series days. He was predictably mobbed by eager fans seeking selfies, a testament to his enduring popularity. The day concluded with the promise of more excitement, and hopefully, less shuttle-related stress, for race day.
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Sunday: Race Day – The Zandvoort Crescendo
Race day brought the Zandvoort experience to its thrilling crescendo. The atmosphere, already vibrant throughout the weekend, became utterly electric. After the familiar journey into the track, passing the scenic beach, the pounding dance beats returned to full volume, echoing across the circuit as streams of fans poured in. The sheer volume of support for Max Verstappen seemed to be surpassing even that witnessed for Lewis Hamilton at Silverstone – a truly remarkable testament to the passion of the Dutch crowd.
The grid walk was a particularly special experience, unlike any other I’d witnessed. As the track slowly filled with the intricate machinery of Formula 1, the grandstands immediately adjacent were packed with thousands of fans, dancing energetically to the pulsating music. I took a moment, just breathing it all in, trying to absorb the sensory overload. The scene was breathtaking, a true carnival of speed and sound. I briefly encountered McLaren team principal Andreas Seidl amidst the cacophony, and we tried, mostly in vain, to exchange words over the immense noise. He simply offered a knowing nod and exclaimed, “Absolutely bonkers!”, a sentiment I entirely agreed with before leaving him to his pre-race duties.
As the cars began to filter past me, slotting into their grid positions, it felt as though someone had turned the music up to an eleven. The ensuing roar from the fans as Max Verstappen arrived at his pole position will undoubtedly stay with me for a lifetime. For a brief, poignant moment, I found myself pausing, remembering the pandemic years that had temporarily rendered such electrifying, communal events impossible. This brief reflection grounded me amidst the overwhelming noise and celebration.
After the intensity of the race, the usual parade of drivers who finished outside the podium places began. Then, two drivers arrived later than the others, drawing particular attention: Daniel Ricciardo and Lewis Hamilton.
Ricciardo was the first to appear, sporting a huge, almost defiant smile, despite finishing second-to-last, ten places behind his teammate. His positive demeanor, even in disappointment, was characteristic. Then came an extremely chilled Hamilton, who, despite slipping to fourth after being firmly in contention for victory, had clearly begun digesting the race’s outcome. Seldom one to break eye contact, he calmly and articulately explained what had transpired during the race. I briefly thought back to our exclusive interview earlier in the week; it felt like a lifetime ago, a stark reminder of the relentless pace and emotional swings of a Formula 1 weekend.
The 2022 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort began with a blast of energy and concluded in much the same way, with the packed crowds celebrating yet another home win for Max Verstappen. In its second year back on the Formula 1 calendar, the event still has a few logistical kinks to iron out, particularly concerning media transport and crowd management. However, these minor issues were utterly overshadowed by an atmosphere that was nothing short of spectacular, truly establishing Zandvoort as a unique and unforgettable fixture on the F1 calendar.
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2022 Dutch Grand Prix: Further Reading
- Ferrari’s season of missed chances led to “difficult” criticism for Binotto
- How many victory chances did Hamilton have in his first winless F1 season?
- Why F2’s role as F1’s sustainable fuel guinea pig ‘isn’t going to be a reliability issue’
- Straight-line speed deficit will continue to “bite” Mercedes in qualifying – Wolff
- Verstappen achieves his longest winning streak with second home victory
Browse all 2022 Dutch Grand Prix articles