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Max Verstappen given special helmet and race suit for emotional last Dutch Grand Prix

SPORTbible · Rich Fay · 2026-08-16T17:32:21+00:00 · nguồn gốc

Max Verstappen will wear a special helmet and race suit for the last Dutch Grand Prix next weekend. The annual event at Verstappen's home circuit of Zandvoort will come to an end after the 2026 season due to rising costs and a lack of government funding. Another key factor behind the decision was the desire to end on a high while the Dutch driver is backed by his 'Orange Army', support that could dwindle in the coming years if his performance levels dip. To mark the emotional occasion, Verstappen will wear a special helmet and race suit that pay homage to Zandvoort, which will differ from the design worn by his Red Bull Racing teammate Isack Hadjar. Advert Verstappen will wear a black race suit with orange detailing on the shoulders, while Hadjar will wear the same suit but with white accents on the shoulders. The starting numbers of both drivers will also be printed as a wave, a tribute to the track's coastal location. In an announcement video on social media, Red Bull claimed 'special moments call for special suits', and also showcased the bespoke designs worn for the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix and the 2025 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Verstappen to wear special helmet at last Dutch GP Earlier in the week, Verstappen also revealed he would wear a unique helmet to mark the last Grand Prix at his home circuit. The eye-catching blue and white design draws inspiration from Delft, the canal city where the famous Delftware pottery is produced. "For my last home race. Dankjewel Zandvoort," Verstappen wrote as he showcased the design. Red Bull Racing responded to the post, commenting: "A special helmet for a special race. Ready for one last charge around Zandvoort." It appears the unique design has already been a huge hit with supporters, after Verstappen released a special clothing line in the Delft theme that quickly sold out online. The four-time world champion heads into the Dutch GP sixth in the F1 rankings, after a disappointing start to the season. He showed improvement when he finished second at the Hungarian GP before the summer break and will hope to make history with victory at the final Dutch race weekend. It marked his fourth podium of the 2026 season, though he has yet to win a race this year. Verstappen has 109 points to his name, 110 points behind leader Kimi Antonelli. Topics: Formula 1, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing