This year's Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort was not just a showcase of high-octane racing, but also a vibrant runway for the world’s finest F1 paddock fashion. While Max Verstappen’s homecoming created electrifying moments on the track, the paddock was abuzz with sartorial statements as drivers, team principals, and even celebrities embraced the stage to express their unique styles. As Formula 1’s popularity soars, paddock fashion has become a key part of the spectacle, blending motorsport heritage with modern flair in a way only F1 can.
The significance of style in Formula 1 has always extended beyond the garage. The paddock, that exclusive strip between the garages and the hospitality suites, has become a cultural phenomenon—where personalities shine as brightly as the cars. It’s a dynamic space where drivers collaborate with stylists and brands, using every race weekend to craft their public persona. At Zandvoort, the air of creativity was tangible, reflecting both the Dutch festival spirit and the internationalism of the sport. From tailored suits to streetwear-inspired get-ups, the looks were as diverse as the grid itself.
Lewis Hamilton, a perennial fashion icon, did not disappoint this weekend. His outfit combined classic elegance with electric innovation: a bold, multicoloured patchwork jacket over minimalist black trousers, finished off with chunky retro sneakers and designer sunglasses. Hamilton, never one to shy away from risky combinations, set the tone for a weekend where individuality reigned supreme. His ensemble symbolised both his intent to break boundaries on and off the track, and inspired others in the paddock to up their game.
Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz of Ferrari arrived in classic Italian style, as expected from Scuderia’s icons. Leclerc’s beige suit, paired with a crisp white tee and smart loafers, encapsulated timeless sophistication. Sainz followed suit—literally—but added a pop of red with a silk scarf, a nod to Ferrari’s unmistakable colours and flair. Away from the race suits, their choices highlighted the continued importance of elegance and tradition to the Ferrari brand, showing that speed and style are not mutually exclusive.
Max Verstappen, representing his home crowd, opted for a relaxed, approachable look. Sporting Netherlands-themed orange accents on his casual jacket and trainers, he echoed the orange-clad grandstands and the party atmosphere permeating Zandvoort. Verstappen’s choice this weekend demonstrates the new generation’s knack for merging comfort with national pride—a growing trend among younger drivers who see fashion as a way to connect with fans worldwide.
The Red Bull and McLaren teams embraced youthful vibrancy too. Lando Norris’s eye-catching pastel windbreaker and bucket hat were playful and on-brand, while teammate Oscar Piastri made waves with an understated graphic tee and sleek trainers. Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez leaned into urban style with cargo pants paired with an oversized sweater, confirming that contemporary streetwear has found a home even among the world’s fastest drivers. AlphaTauri’s Daniel Ricciardo, always a fashion wild card, mixed checked patterns and vintage accessories, reminding us that confidence is the ultimate piece of any outfit.
But the paddock wasn’t only about drivers. Team principals like Toto Wolff and Christian Horner displayed understated luxury, representing the business of F1 in crisp blazers and subtle, branded accessories. Even the celebrity guests reflected local style and global trends, blending seamlessly with the vibrant F1 scene.
Ultimately, the Dutch Grand Prix once again confirmed that the Formula 1 paddock is more than a backdrop—it’s a fashion microcosm, a place where speed, style, and ingenuity intersect. As Formula 1 continues its collaboration with leading designers and global brands, fans can look forward to an ever-evolving tapestry of paddock fits that rivals the main event on track. Whether supporting the classics or pushing the limits of contemporary fashion, everyone in Zandvoort made it clear: in Formula 1, style is always part of the race.
