The Orange Army: A Sea of Orange Behind Max Verstappen

If you’ve ever tuned into a Formula 1 race and seen the grandstands engulfed in a fiery sea of orange, you’ve witnessed the legendary phenomenon of the Orange Army. No, not the military kind—this is Max Verstappen’s legion of fanatical supporters, a group so loud, passionate, and relentless that they’ve become an integral part of the Formula 1 experience. From the tarmac at Zandvoort to the winding streets of Monaco, the Orange Army is rewriting what it means to support a driver. Let’s dive into what makes this fanbase tick and why they’re the most electrifying presence in motorsport.

The Rise of Max Mania

Before Max Verstappen burst onto the scene, Dutch motorsport fandom was more subdued. While there were dedicated followers of Jos Verstappen—affectionately dubbed “Jos the Boss”—the Netherlands wasn’t exactly a hotbed of F1 fervour. The sport was niche, often overshadowed by football and cycling. That all changed when a young Max Verstappen entered Formula 1 in 2015 at just 17 years old, making headlines as the youngest driver in the sport’s history.

From his very first laps, it was clear that Max wasn’t just another rookie. His fearless overtakes, aggressive driving style, and unshakeable confidence quickly won him admirers. But for the Dutch fans, Max was more than just a promising talent. He was their national hero, a symbol of grit and determination. By the time he claimed his first victory at the 2016 Spanish Grand Prix—becoming the youngest-ever F1 race winner—Max Mania was in full swing, and the Orange Army had mobilised.

The Oranje Identity

The defining feature of the Orange Army is their love for all things orange. This is no accident—orange is the national colour of the Netherlands, rooted in the Dutch royal family’s lineage to the House of Orange-Nassau. For Verstappen’s fans, orange isn’t just a colour; it’s a badge of honour, a visual declaration of loyalty.

At every race, the Orange Army transforms grandstands into a blaze of orange. Flags, hats, shirts, scarves, and even inflatable lions (a nod to the lion in the Dutch coat of arms) dominate the scene. But it doesn’t stop there. Fans come equipped with orange smoke flares that erupt in celebration whenever Max takes the lead, creating a dramatic spectacle that has become synonymous with Formula 1. The vibrant energy they bring is unmatched, turning every race into a festival of Dutch pride.

The Soundtrack of Support

If the Orange Army’s orange visuals are striking, their soundtrack is deafening. These fans aren’t content to sit quietly and watch the race unfold; they want to be heard. From chanting Max’s name to singing songs tailored to his victories, the Orange Army is as much a part of the race atmosphere as the roar of the engines.

One of their favourite anthems is “Super Max,” a catchy tune that’s become the unofficial theme song of Verstappen’s career. The lyrics are simple, the melody infectious, and when thousands of fans belt it out in unison, it’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement.

Air horns, drums, and cheers punctuate every moment of the race, creating an electric atmosphere that energises not only the fans but also the drivers. Even rival teams have acknowledged the infectious energy of the Orange Army. “You can feel their passion from the pit lane,” remarked Red Bull Racing’s team principal, Christian Horner. “It’s like having a 12th man on the field.”

Home Turf: Zandvoort

The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is the crown jewel of the Orange Army’s calendar. After a 36-year absence, the race returned to the Formula 1 schedule in 2021, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Verstappen was in the midst of a heated championship battle with Lewis Hamilton, and Zandvoort became the ultimate stage for the Orange Army to show their support.

The atmosphere at Zandvoort is unlike any other. The circuit’s natural dunes and tight corners create a unique racing experience, but it’s the fans who steal the show. From the moment the gates open, the stands are packed with orange-clad supporters, ready to cheer Max to victory. The roar of the crowd as Verstappen crosses the finish line is so loud it could rival the engines themselves.

Zandvoort also showcases the Orange Army’s flair for creativity. Fans bring giant banners, organise choreographed displays, and even create mosaics using coloured cards. It’s a level of dedication that’s rarely seen in motorsport, turning the grandstands into a living, breathing work of art.

The Global Takeover

While Zandvoort is their home base, the Orange Army is far from a local phenomenon. They’ve turned Formula 1 into a global orange invasion, showing up en masse at circuits around the world. Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps, just a short drive from the Dutch border, is practically a second home for Verstappen’s fans. But their influence extends far beyond Europe. From Silverstone to Singapore, Monza to Miami, the Orange Army has established itself as a global force.

Their presence is particularly striking at circuits where Verstappen’s rivals have traditionally dominated. At Silverstone, the heart of British motorsport, Dutch fans confidently unfurl their orange banners and out-cheer the local crowd. Even at Monza, the home of the Tifosi and Ferrari’s most passionate supporters, the Orange Army holds its own, proving that their loyalty knows no boundaries.

The Party Atmosphere

For the Orange Army, supporting Verstappen is about more than just racing; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience. Race weekends are treated like festivals, complete with music, dancing, and plenty of beer. Dutch fans are known for their good-natured humour and willingness to share the fun. Rival supporters often find themselves swept up in the celebratory atmosphere, joining in chants and toasting to the spirit of competition.

This camaraderie extends to the drivers as well. While Max is undoubtedly their hero, the Orange Army doesn’t shy away from acknowledging other talents. They’ll cheer for great overtakes and applaud impressive performances, regardless of who’s behind the wheel. It’s a testament to their love for the sport as a whole, even if Max will always be their number one.

Critics and Controversies

Of course, not everyone is a fan of the Orange Army’s antics. Some critics argue that the smoke flares are disruptive and potentially hazardous, while others find the constant noise overwhelming. There have also been instances where a small minority of fans crossed the line, engaging in unsportsmanlike behaviour. These incidents have led to calls for stricter regulations at races, but the vast majority of Dutch fans remain respectful and good-natured.

Verstappen himself has addressed these concerns, urging his fans to focus on positive support. “Passion is great, but it’s important to keep it respectful,” he said in a recent interview. His words seem to resonate with the Orange Army, who take pride in representing their country and their hero in the best possible light.

The Future of the Orange Army

As Verstappen continues to dominate the sport, the Orange Army shows no signs of slowing down. But what happens when Max eventually hangs up his helmet? While it’s hard to imagine Formula 1 without the orange wave, there’s little doubt that the Orange Army will endure.

The Netherlands has a rich motorsport tradition, and Verstappen’s success has inspired a new generation of young drivers. Rising stars like Nyck de Vries and other talents coming through the ranks ensure that Dutch fans will have plenty to cheer for in the years to come. And even if there’s a gap before the next big Dutch talent emerges, the passion of the Orange Army will likely keep them engaged in the sport they’ve come to love.

Conclusion: A Force to Be Reckoned With

The Orange Army is more than just a fanbase; it’s a movement. Their unwavering support for Max Verstappen has transformed Formula 1, injecting new life and energy into the sport. Whether they’re painting the grandstands orange, belting out “Super Max,” or lighting up the sky with smoke flares, the Orange Army is a testament to the power of passion and community.

Love them or loathe them, there’s no denying that the Orange Army has made its mark on Formula 1. And as long as there’s a track to race on and a driver to cheer for, you can bet that the sea of orange will be there, louder and prouder than ever.