ZANDVOORT (Netherlands) — It is simply impossible to avoid Max Verstappen at Zandvoort aan Zee, the seaside resort that hosts the Dutch Grand Prix.

Fans board the “Max Express”, a special train rebranded for the Grand Prix. Leaving the station, the first thing they see is a huge trailer crammed with Verstappen merchandise.

“Dive into the sea of orange” reads a billboard at the entrance to the circuit, a reference to the hundreds of thousands of “oranje”-clad fans cheering on Verstappen, arguably the best globally known Dutch sports star since Johan Cruyff.

But for once, the four-time world champion comes to his home Grand Prix neither favourite for the race, nor in contention for another title.

Like the rest of the grid, his Red Bull has found itself trailing helplessly in the wake of the all-dominant McLaren team this season, with Verstappen cast adrift.

“No, not really,” said the famously direct Verstappen when asked whether he still had goals for this year’s championship.

“Just try to make the best of it.” Trailing championship leader Oscar Piastri by nearly 100 points, even the most ardent Verstappen fan would be hard-pressed to say their man has a realistic shot.

Verstappen has an enviable record at Zandvoort, winning every race there since it was reintroduced to the Grand Prix circuit in 2021 — until last year.

The 2024 edition was a miserable weekend for Verstappen, as he spun his car in a wet practice and trailed in behind McLaren’s Lando Norris in what many in the paddock saw as a potential changing of the guard.

He even suffered the indignity of Norris mocking him, crying out “simply lovely” as he crossed the line — Verstappen’s trademark celebration phrase.