Dutch Grand Prix fuels huge fan influx and special rail service

The 2024 Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix took place at the Zandvoort circuit from 21‑23 August, drawing tens of thousands of spectators. To accommodate the surge, Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS) operated a special “Max Express” service between Amsterdam Centraal and Zandvoort, running a train every five minutes and capable of transporting up to 10 000 passengers per hour. NS added five extra early Intercity trains and deployed around 300 additional staff each day, aiming to move roughly 50 000 travelers daily to and from the race venue.

The event also heightened interest in sports betting. Dutch bookmakers noted that the “Oranje‑factor” – strong national support for driver Max Verstappen – tended to lower his odds during the Grand Prix weekend. Odds were adjusted throughout the event based on factors such as Verstappen’s prior performance, team form, qualifying results and the perceived impact of a large home‑crowd on his chances of victory.