National anthem reimagined in spectacular pre-race show

The FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN DUTCH GRAND PRIX is once again set to deliver a unique and unforgettable experience. Just moments before lights out, tradition and spectacle will come together in a surprising pre-race show – beginning with a special rendition of the Dutch National Anthem and building the tension right up to the start. Select moments will be broadcasted globally via the international Formula 1® broadcast.

Left to right: Yves Berendse, Outsiders, Henk Poort, Gerard Joling

Henk Poort to perform Dutch National Anthem
World-famous Dutch opera singer Henk Poort, known for his leading roles in Dutch productions of The Phantom of the Opera and Les Misérables, will perform the Wilhelmus this year in a classical, moving rendition, accompanied by an orchestra of twenty violinists. This special moment will take place shortly before the start of the race on Sunday.

“Singing the Wilhelmus on the Dutch Grand Prix grid is a tribute to our country, our culture, and the unique connection the Netherlands has with Formula 1,” said Poort. “As an artist, there is nothing more special to be part of.”

From classical elegance to full-throttle celebration
While at other races the focus is mainly on the national anthem, in Zandvoort the celebration truly kicks off after the final note of the Wilhelmus. Gerard Joling will start the pre-race show, after which DJ Outsiders will transform Joling’s popular hits into a high-energy remix.

Throughout the show, Outsiders will keep the energy levels high. At the end, Yves Berendse, born and raised in Zandvoort, will accompany the iconic Dutch flag moment – a beloved and now world-famous tradition of the Dutch Grand Prix. Outsiders will then continue to play non-stop until the lights go out for the race.

Giant fan banner as tribute
New this year during the well-known Dutch flag activation, is the massive fan banner, measuring 100 meters wide and 27 meters high. The banner is an impressive tribute to the ‘Sea of Orange’, which has been a hallmark of the Dutch Grand Prix for years and which the organization wants to recognize with this initiative.

“As a local, this truly feels like coming home – with the entire world watching,” said Berendse. “Performing my music surrounded by the flags and this incredible banner is a dream come true.”

DJ Outsiders added: “From the moment I drop the beat, the energy will be sky-high. The mix of violins, live vocals, and dance is something totally unique – the grid will be buzzing right up to lights out.”

Gerard Joling said: “Performing in front of such a huge audience is always special, but this is on another level. The energy from the fans and the atmosphere on home soil gives me goosebumps.”

More to come
Those who think the surprises end here are mistaken. As during the final week before the Dutch Grand Prix, the very last element of the pre-race show will be revealed. This spectacular feature will focus especially on the connection between the sky and fans on-site.