The last lap: Fans, drivers bid fond farewell to Dutch GP

For three days a year, the quiet residential street of Van Speijkstraat in the sleepy Dutch beach resort of Zandvoort transforms itself into a sea of orange streamers and chequered flags, welcoming Formula One fans from around the world.

Party tunes blast out from house parties, children sell home-made lemonade and friendship bracelets from little "pit stop" stalls and colossal posters of local hero -- four-time world champion Max Verstappen -- flutter in the sea breeze.

But to the regret of fans and drivers alike, Sunday marks the last edition of the Dutch Grand Prix, which returned to the circuit in 2021 but simply isn't generating enough profits for the promoters.

"We try to make the greatest party ever," said housewife Sabine Volkers, 38, as her children danced on the street and tried to entice passers-by to buy lemonade.

"Like no other," proclaim promotional banners flying all over Zandvoort and most people in Formula One agree that the fans and circuit combine to create a unique experience.

Often referred to as "old school" (it hosted its first race in 1952), the track snakes through sand dunes only a short walk from the North Sea beach.

Drivers relish the steep banks at the corners while the proximity to the coast makes for unusual conditions -- sand gets blown onto the tarmac and torrential rain often appears out of nowhere, dramatically changing the driving challenge.

"Honestly, I think it's a great track. From a driving perspective, especially in qualifying, it's super fun," said teen sensation Kimi Antonelli, who is leading this year's championship.

"It's definitely a shame to lose a track like this," added Antonelli, as many drivers praised the "character" of Zandvoort compared to purpose-built tracks in places like the Middle East.

The fans are closer to the track than at other venues, creating a raucous atmosphere as the Dutch "orange army" roar on their beloved champion Verstappen.

"It's proper old-school driving. It's definitely one of the best tracks on the calendar compared to some tracks that we go to now that... lack a bit of character," said Verstappen.

"So, yeah, it's definitely going to be missed, for sure. It's always been really fun to drive. Even if I would not be Dutch, you know, to drive here would have been always amazing," he added.

But in some ways Zandvoort's charm has also been its downfall -- a tiny beach resort struggles to accommodate the global circus that comes with a Grand Prix.

Transport is a challenge, with huge traffic jams and long queues at the station, despite the operator running special trains -- rebaptised the "Max Express".

A lack of space means there is no room to expand the stands and, despite attracting near capacity crowds, the sums don't add up.

"We and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone are the only races that have to operate without any government support," Motorsport Magazine quoted race director Robert van Overdijk as saying.

The Dutch GP needs a full house on all three days simply to break even, he said.

Uncertainty over Verstappen's success and even continued participation in Formula One was another risk hanging over promoters.

"If you go on for another three or five years and Max stops at some point, you don't know what's happening," van Overdijk told the De Boordradio podcast.

Ironically, just as the last edition was getting going, Verstappen committed to Red Bull until 2030, but for now there seems to be no going back on the decision.

"We're going out with a bang. Of course it also makes us a bit sad, but more than anything else, we're proud," said Van Overdijk.

Not everyone is sad the race is ending: environmental groups had complained for years about the pollution and noise generated by the event.

"For me, it's incredible to see so many happy faces in my town," Zandvoort mayor David Moolenburgh told AFP in an interview.

"We're really going to miss it," he said, adding that it boosted his town's global reputation, as well as providing welcome cash to Zandvoort businesses.

Zandvoort resident Erik Romijn, 54, said he was very proud that "a small city of 15,000 people can make a party for 100,000 people every year."

"The whole world saw that we can create a big party," the engineer told AFP.