The China Mail - Max smash at zany Zandvoort: Three stories from the Dutch GP

AFP Sport highlights three talking points from the Grand Prix at Zandvoort, which will disappear from the Formula One calendar next year.

- Max disappointment -

Home favourite Max Verstappen is always the biggest news story at the Dutch Grand Prix and this year was no exception, even though the four-time world champion endured a disappointing weekend on the track.

Before the action had even started, the 28-year-old sent shockwaves through the paddock with the announcement he was signing a new contract with Red Bull until 2030, quashing speculation he might quit the sport.

This did not, however, change the fact his Red Bull is not a competitive package this season and he failed to trouble the leaders either in the sprint or the qualifying.

Come race day, the tens of thousands of orange army fans packed into the Zandvoort stands were hoping he could pull off a miracle from seventh on the grid.

Their hopes were raised when the always unpredictable Zandvoort weather came to the party, lashing the track with a heavy downpour less than an hour to lights out.

But in the end, the rain claimed Verstappen himself as the victim, the Dutchman spinning into the wall at high speed, fortunately escaping unhurt.

"It was still wet in that corner of the track from the rain, but I thought I could accelerate. That was too soon," said Verstappen.

National broadcaster NOS showed images of some fans leaving after the crash. "We came for Max," said one disgruntled supporter.

- It ain't over Kimi -

At the start of the season, teenage sensation Kimi Antonelli looked unbeatable, winning five races in a row and building up a dominant position in the world championship.

But Mercedes have admitted they are "out of sync" with the upgrades teams can bring to their car and McLaren appear to have leapt ahead of them with improvements to their own package.

Two consecutive wins for world champion Lando Norris show that there is still all to play for, even if Antonelli still enjoys a comfortable 59-point cushion over the chasing pack.

That gap could narrow in the next race however, as Antonelli is taking a 10-place grid penalty due to an engine change the team has to make.

"As a team, we need to find a little bit of time because McLaren have done a huge step. So yeah, we've got to keep pushing," said Antonelli.

The Italian, who turns 20 on Tuesday, complained about grip during the race and told his team their strategy was "too risky" as he crossed the line.

"We're clearly not the fastest car on the grid any more," fumed Antonelli, who said he was looking forward to a Mercedes upgrade to give them the upper hand again.

- Farewell to zany Zandvoort -

"Like no other" is the promotional slogan for the Dutch Grand Prix and drivers and fans appear to agree that it is a unique race that is disappearing from the circuit.

Just a stone's throw from the beach, the venue is known for unpredictable coastal weather spicing up the race and Zandvoort delivered again, a heavy shower throwing preparations into chaos.

Drivers love the old-fashioned track, with steep banking corners and stands close to the tarmac, with many comparing it favourably to other venues "lacking in character."

Then there are the fans. "Dive into the sea of orange" reads a panel on the beach leading up to the track and this is exactly the experience for the visitor.

Every year, tens of thousands of fans, many dressed in orange from top to toe, come out to support Verstappen, arriving on trains rebaptised "Max Express" for the occasion.

The promoters have decided not to continue the event, complaining the financial risk is too great at one of only two venues on the calendar without subsidies.

"It became an image seen around the world. Orange grandstands. The dunes. The sea. The ancipication whenever Max took to the track," said race sporting director Jan Lammers.

"But above all, a crowd that showed the world just how powerful the love for motorsport can be."

O.Tse--ThChM