Max Verstappen crashes out on opening lap of Dutch Grand Prix finale
Max Verstappen started the race from seventh on the grid. Despite rain showers in the hour before the start, the race got underway on time. The Dutchman briefly ran onto the grass after starting on the wetter side of the track before recovering and holding his position ahead of his battling teammate, Liam Lawson.
However, disaster struck at the Arie Luyendijkbocht, the final corner of the circuit. Verstappen carried too much speed into the steeply banked turn and ran onto the wet white line, causing him to lose control of his Red Bull.
The home favourite slid into the barriers but was able to safely climb out of the heavily damaged car. Gabriel Bortoleto suffered a similar moment shortly afterwards but managed to regain control and avoid a crash.
The incident brought out the red flag, with the race suspended for around 30 minutes while marshals cleared debris from the circuit.
This year’s event marks the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, with Formula One Management and the circuit having agreed not to extend their contract beyond the 2026 season.
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