Red Bull Racing's Dutch driver Max Verstappen's car is moved following his crash during the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix at The Circuit Zandvoort, western Netherlands, on August 23, 2026. (Photo by JOHN THYS / AFP)
Zandvoort, Netherlands: Home favourite Max Verstappen suffered a crash on the first lap of the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday, spinning his Red Bull into the barriers and forcing a stop to the race.
The four-time world champion walked free from the accident, telling his team: "I'm OK" on the radio.
Starting from seventh on the grid, Verstappen lost control of his car on a corner, smashed into the wall and careered across the track, with Alpine's Pierre Gasly having to take evasive action.
Verstappen won the first three editions of the Dutch Grand Prix when it returned to the circuit in 2021 but has seen McLarens beat him in 2024 and 2025.
His crash will be a huge disappointment to the "orange army", the hordes of Dutch fans who pack out the stadium at Zandvoort.
The Dutch GP is being run for the last time this year after promoters pulled the plug for financial reasons.
