RED BULL RACING GOES DELFT BLUE

words by FELICITY CARTER

For the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, Oracle Red Bull Racing is looking to one of the Netherlands’ most recognisable artistic traditions. Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar will race in special helmets, suits and boots inspired by Delft Blue pottery, with designs that also tell the story of their own history at the circuit.

all images courtesy of RED BULL

Taking place this weekend, the Dutch Grand Prix will be the 40th and final F1 event held at Zandvoort, closing a chapter that began when Formula One first arrived at the coastal circuit in 1952. After a long absence, the race returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 and quickly became known for its crowds of orange-clad Dutch fans, many there to support home driver Verstappen.

This year also brings the first F1 Sprint ever staged at the Dutch Grand Prix, adding another element to Zandvoort’s final weekend on the calendar.

For the occasion, Verstappen’s helmet takes its cues from traditional Delft Blue pottery, using the familiar blue and white palette alongside floral detailing. The Dutch lion sits on the crown, while references to his three victories at Zandvoort in 2021, 2022 and 2023 turn the design into a record of his success at his home race.

Verstappen has finished either first or second at every Dutch Grand Prix since the race returned in 2021, winning the first three before taking second place in 2024 and 2025. His connection with the circuit runs through the new racewear too, with orange detailing running down his special race suit and matching elements on his boots.

Hadjar’s design takes a more playful approach to Delft Blue while looking back at his own memorable moment at the circuit. His third-place finish at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, then driving for Racing Bulls, delivered his first F1 podium and helped pave the way for his move alongside Verstappen at Red Bull Racing for 2026.

His helmet references the Delft Blue design of the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix trophy, complete with illustrations of the trophy after it was accidentally broken during the team’s post-race celebrations. Hadjar’s signature anime character - a recurring feature across his helmet designs - also appears in the artwork, adding a personal touch to the trad Dutch references.

Both drivers will wear coordinating race suits and boots throughout the weekend, naturally, bringing the Delft-inspired theme from their helmets across their full racewear.

For Verstappen, the design marks the end of a home-race run that has included three victories and some of the most memorable scenes of his F1 career. For Hadjar, it recalls the circuit where he reached the podium for the first time. Against the blue and white of Delftware, Red Bull Racing’s final Zandvoort designs give both stories a very Dutch finish.