Hours After Suppressing Max Verstappen Fans for LH Army, Dutch GP Welcomes Lewis Hamilton With Smashing Comment

If there’s anyone who can give Daniel Ricciardo’s party persona a run for its money, it’s the Dutch GP crowd. The Zandvoort circuit—located in the dunes of The Netherlands—with its banked corners and general old-school-ness, returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021. As much as it’s been known for the good racing there, it’s also become famous for its party atmosphere, where the celebrations start at sunrise and don’t stop until late at night. The Dutch crowd, for the lack of a better word, is rowdy, even more so considering Max Verstappen is their very own. 

This rowdiness has posed a problem to almost everyone other than members of the Orange Army (aka, the Verstappen Fan Club), even more so to the Lewis Hamilton Army because of their 2021 rivalry. With concerns regarding safety and abuse, the Dutch GP organizers have taken steps to make the experience enjoyable for every fan, and not just the Orange Army.

The Dutch GP is set to welcome Lewis Hamilton and his Army with open arms

Last season, the exciting racing during the Austrian GP was marred by accusations of homophobic and racist abuse, sexist catcalling, and inappropriate touching of female fans. Most of these accusations were directed at the Orange Army, widely prevalent in Austria. Later that month, F1 launched the “Drive It Out” campaign to help drive out verbal and online abuse toward spectators, journalists, presenters, and drivers in the sport.

To avoid a similar situation at Zandvoort—the home of the Orange Army—the organizers have taken steps to make the environment safer, especially in reference to the fans. In an interview with Autosport, Dutch GP director Imre van Leeuwen said, “I would be really disappointed in our fans if, as a Ferrari or Lewis Hamilton fan, you wouldn’t feel safe. That’s totally unacceptable, and we won’t let it happen. We cannot tolerate it, and we will take people’s tickets away. Everybody should feel welcome. We need drivers to compete. Otherwise, there’s no race. If we only have Max racing around, it wouldn’t be F1!”

Hours after his statement, Lewis Hamilton posted a series of pictures on Instagram highlighting his trip to Cappadocia. With less than a week to go for F1 to return after the summer break, the official handle of the Dutch GP commented on Hamilton’s post, writing, “See you soon Lewis!👊🏽”

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Hamilton has always advocated for inclusivity, and it’s clear that F1 and every race venue is working toward achieving that goal. The Dutch GP organizers are clearly excited to host Hamilton and his fans, especially considering it could be a big weekend for them.

Lewis Hamilton could steal Max Verstappen’s thunder at Zandvoort

At the Dutch GP this weekend, Verstappen will be aiming to equal Sebastian Vettel’s 2013 nine-race-win streak, gunning to break yet another record as the season progresses. Considering it’s his home race and he’s on the verge of another record, the Dutchman will be the talk of the town. Although Hamilton could steal the limelight with an announcement the LH Army has been dying to hear.

This entire season for Hamilton has revolved around his contract negotiations with Mercedes, given that the partnership expires at the season’s end. It seems as though the negotiations made progress during the summer break, and Hamilton is rumored to have signed a one-year extension with the possibility of a second season. According to reports, Mercedes and Hamilton could make the announcement at Zandvoort, and that’s how the seven-time champion could steal the spotlight from the home hero.

What are you more excited about? F1’s return after the summer break, or the possible contract extension announcement by Lewis Hamilton?

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