The seaside Zandvoort circuit was alive with excitement on Sunday as Formula 1 rolled into town for the fifteenth race of the season.
Among the VIPs were none other than King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and their three daughters: Princess Amalia (21), Princess Alexia (20), and Princess Ariane (18). True F1 fans, the royals rarely miss the chance to watch the world’s fastest cars race on home turf.
© Patrick van KatwijkBefore the race started, the Dutch royal family strolled through the paddock, credentials hanging around their necks, enjoying the electric atmosphere. They even had the chance to wish four-time world champion Max Verstappen good luck, with the 58-year-old king warmly embracing the driver to wish him luck before he headed to the track.
© Alex Bierens de HaanIt was Queen Máxima, though, who stole the spotlight with a lighthearted interview in Spanish on DAZN. The network broadcasting the event asked who she was rooting for; she did not hesitate: “Of course, we’re here to support Max Verstappen. He’s starting in third, but you never know what can happen.”
© Patrick van Katwijk
© Patrick van KatwijkWhen the reporter followed up, suggesting she might also have a soft spot for fellow Argentine driver Franco Colapinto of Alpine, Máxima laughed and replied with a playful pause: “Well, look, I’m Queen of the Netherlands… so… but I wish both of them the best.”
© Kym IllmanHer comment made it clear that, despite being born in Buenos Aires in 1971 and spending much of her life in Argentina, the wife of the head of state had no doubts about where her preferences lay. Máxima’s heart is firmly with her adopted homeland when it comes to Formula 1.
Still, she made sure to add that above all, to clarify, that she wished the best “for everyone,” and wanted a safe race without accidents, “That’s the number one thing.”
In the end, the royals did not get to celebrate a Verstappen victory, though the local hero still finished strong, claiming second place behind Australia’s Oscar Piastri of McLaren.
© Getty ImagesAmong the Spanish drivers, Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin secured a solid eighth, while Carlos Sainz of Williams came in thirteenth. Colapinto crossed the line in eleventh.
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