Michael van Gerwen took the chance to visit Circuit Zandvoort, where the final Dutch Grand Prix for now was staged this weekend. The three-time world darts champion clearly enjoyed the Formula 1 atmosphere and shared on
Instagram that he was soaking up every moment of his day at the track.
While several of his colleagues were in action last weekend at the
Australian Darts Masters, Van Gerwen
stayed in the Netherlands. Saturday at Zandvoort revolved around the sprint and qualifying for Sunday’s main race. Late in the sprint, spectators were treated to a heavy downpour. Max Verstappen eventually crossed the line in sixth. By qualifying, conditions had improved considerably. The dark clouds faded and the sun broke through.
Verstappen ultimately set the seventh-fastest time and started the final Dutch Grand Prix from P7. Lando Norris secured pole position for McLaren. Norris went on to win the race.
Van Gerwen watched the action in Zandvoort closely and spoke to Viaplay during qualifying about his visit. “A shame it just wasn’t as exciting as it could have been. It needed to rain a bit earlier, but I’m curious to see the results,” said Van Gerwen.
Van Gerwen a big Formula 1 fan
Although Van Gerwen keeps a busy schedule as a professional darter, he tries to follow Formula 1 as much as possible. “If I get the chance to watch, I definitely do, yes, always,” said Van Gerwen. “I also watch a lot with Vincent van der Voort. I just really enjoy it.”
A trip to Zandvoort is also a different experience for Van Gerwen than following a Grand Prix from a hotel room. “Here I feel nice and free, I can do my own thing and relax,” he said.
The 37-year-old Dutchman had previously attended the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, but felt the atmosphere in the Netherlands is different. “Max is a bit more loved here than there,” Van Gerwen said with a smile. He also knows plenty of people at Zandvoort. “I know so many people here, I’m chatting with everyone.”
Michael van Gerwen paid a visit to the F1 at Zandvoort this weekend
Hope for Dutch GP to return
Van Gerwen finds it particularly disappointing that the Dutch Grand Prix is leaving the calendar for the time being. Since Formula 1 returned to Zandvoort in 2021, the event has grown into a huge crowd-puller and one of the Netherlands’ biggest sporting events. “The biggest sporting event in the Netherlands. I think you can only be very proud of that. It’s a real shame this is the last time,” Van Gerwen stressed.
Even so, the Dutchman keeps the door open for a comeback. “There’s nothing we can do about it together, and we just have to hope it returns in a few years. All we can do is hope.”
For Van Gerwen, the visit to Zandvoort was a welcome change of pace after a difficult spell in his own sport. Following his early exit at the World Matchplay, he dropped to seventh on the PDC Order of Merit. That ended his remarkable 13-year run in the top four.
The autumn therefore becomes important for Van Gerwen, who urgently needs better results. For now, though, he could park those concerns and fully enjoy Formula 1. “Here I feel nice and free,” he summed up his relaxed day at Zandvoort.