Dutch Grand Prix 2021 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Max Verstappen delivered a picture-perfect victory at his home Dutch Grand Prix, winning in front of a raucous 70,000-strong orange army at Zandvoort as Formula 1 returned to the Netherlands for the first time in 36 years. The emotional triumph extended Verstappen's championship lead and provided one of the season's most memorable celebrations.

Starting from pole position at the newly-renovated circuit featuring steeply-banked corners, Verstappen controlled the race from start to finish despite intense pressure from Lewis Hamilton. The Mercedes driver closed to within a second late in the race, forcing Verstappen to dig deep and demonstrate why he was championship material. Mercedes attempted an aggressive two-stop strategy with Hamilton, but Verstappen responded perfectly, maintaining track position and ultimately pulling away to win by over two seconds. The strategic battle showcased the chess match between Red Bull and Mercedes that defined the 2021 season.

Valtteri Bottas completed the podium in third for Mercedes, while Hamilton set the fastest lap. The victory scenes were extraordinary, with thousands of Dutch fans flooding the track after the race in unbridled celebration of their hero's home win. Verstappen's emotional radio message and the sea of orange smoke flares created iconic images of one of Formula 1's most passionate fanbases. The result extended his championship lead to three points and provided crucial momentum heading into Monza, where another collision with Hamilton would await.