With its sight, sound and spectacle, the Dutch Grand Prix is not one for the faint-hearted. The noise levels alone generated by the enthusiastic crowd bouncing along to the relentless pounding of techno music is almost debilitating. Yet that was nothing compared to the celebratory roar that echoed across the dunes of Zandvoort when Max Verstappen claimed pole. After a nail-biting finale this was an exhalation as much of relief as of ecstasy.
With their orange capes billowing in the winds at this circuit perched on the edge of the North Sea these fans had come to party and pay homage to the world champion at his first home meeting since he took the title. One went too far when a flare was thrown on to the track but for the majority the excitement and expectation was palpable. Yet they had surely not expected such an almighty tussle for the top spot.
