Max Verstappen has unveiled a special Delftware inspired helmet for his final home race at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, and it’s a stunner.

The Dutchman’s design abandons his standard 2026 colourway for a striking white and blue scheme inspired by the traditional Dutch Delftware ceramics that have been a hallmark of Netherlands craftsmanship for centuries. It’s a deeply patriotic choice, and a poignant one.

Because this is it. The upcoming race weekend, scheduled for 21–23 August at Zandvoort, will be the final running of the Dutch Grand Prix. F1 and the event promoter previously agreed to a one-year contract extension covering the 2026 season, after which the promoter confirmed it would not pursue a longer-term deal. Zandvoort drops off the calendar in 2027.

For Verstappen, who has dominated his home race since it returned to the F1 calendar in 2021, the Delftware helmet is both a love letter to his heritage and a farewell to the circuit that roared his name into the history books. Expect the Orange Army to bring the noise one last time.

Charles launches new Summer collection

Charles Leclerc is swapping race suits for streetwear, and his latest drop is pure summer.

The Ferrari star has launched his new “CL16” Summer Collection via the Charles Leclerc Official Shop. The sunny-day apparel line features seasonal must-haves and layering pieces designed for the kind of effortless Riviera style the Monégasque has made his signature.

From the paddock to the port, Leclerc has been building a fashion portfolio that extends well beyond the track, and if his social media following is anything to go by, the CL16 collection will sell out faster than a Ferrari pit stop.

Hidden Gem: Russell’s secret engraving

George Russell may be one of the most precise drivers on the grid, but his most meticulous work happened off the track, inside an engagement ring.

The Mercedes star, who proposed to long-term partner Carmen Montero Mundt in a candlelit beachside ceremony on August 9, reportedly added a hidden tortoise engraving to the inside of the ring, said to be Carmen’s favourite animal. It’s a small, deeply personal touch that speaks volumes about the man behind the steely race-face, and one that only Carmen would know was there.

Stroll spotted driving ultra-rare £3 million Aston Martin in Monaco

Lance Stroll has been spotted around the streets of Monaco in an ultra-rare Aston Martin DBR22 speedster during the F1 summer break, and jaws are on the floor.

The Canadian was seen at the wheel of the open-cockpit V12, a vehicle introduced in 2022 to celebrate a decade of the bespoke ‘Q by Aston Martin’ division. The DBR22 draws inspiration from the British marque’s legendary DBR1, which won the 1959 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The numbers are staggering: a 5.2-litre twin-turbocharged V12 producing 705 horsepower and 752Nm of torque, capable of launching from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds with a top speed of 198 mph.

Only 22 of the DBR22 speedsters were ever made. The machinery originally came with a price tag of approximately £1.5 million before custom options, and values are now estimated between £2.5 million and £3 million.

Summer break snapshots: The Grid Unplugged

The drivers have been making the most of the summer pause, and social media has been there for every moment.

Isack Hadjar has been enjoying the summer break, having some fun while keeping the physique race-ready. The Red Bull rookie’s training regime doesn’t take a holiday, but that hasn’t stopped him from soaking up the downtime.

Kimi Antonelli is living his best teenage life. Partying, chilling, and recharging with friends before the Dutch GP. The Mercedes prodigy may be chasing a championship, but he’s still a teenager, and he’s making sure everyone knows it.

Liam Lawson has been spending the summer break surrounded by family, pictured with his little niece Poppy. The Racing Bulls driver proving that some of the best moments happen far away from the spotlight.

Carlos Sainz has been looking effortless, recharging and soaking up the good vibes before the second half of the season begins. The Williams driver knows how to do a summer break in style.

F1 Zone: Going Off Track, where the racing stops and the stories start.