Max Verstappen can claim a fifth world title today in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The real final battle starts at 2 p.m., which will also reduce the tension among the Drenthe Formula 1 fans.
“We are a lot of fans and it is very much alive among us,” says Roef Huisman. Last year he transformed his garden in Schoonoord into the Zandvoort of Drenthe. This afternoon he will watch the match on the big screen in Het Café in Nieuw Amsterdam.
“We are a large group of friends of about thirty people,” says Herman Fulher. “We come from Barger-Oosterveld, Weiteveen, Schoonoord and Nieuw-Amsterdam, so that’s really nice. Around half past twelve we go for a beer in Het Café and before you know it it’s already two o’clock.”
“This is a home game for us,” says Ronald Pol from Nieuw Amsterdam. He looks ahead: “It’s the last race of the season, so it will soon become exciting.”
That is why the Verstappen fans are going all out. There are several televisions in the café and there is a large screen, says Huisman. “And there are snacks, there is always an atmosphere, always pleasant. Of course, it is not such an exciting day every Sunday.”
Huisman assumes a high turnout. “In addition to the fans, many people also come just for fun. The atmosphere is always very nice, and that is important.”
In the midst of all this fun, the men also catch themselves feeling some healthy tension. “Last year, Verstappen was in a slightly better position and you could sit a little more calmly. Now it’s a bit different,” says Pol.
Verstappen can still win the world title if he manages to make up 12 points on competitor Lando Norris. The British driver is in pole position in the general classification. In this exciting battle, Australian Oscar Piastri, number three on the list, can also take the win.
“It soon becomes exciting,” says Pol. “And if Verstappen does succeed, it will soon be a different party, right? We still have to wait and see,” says Pol. “But I can’t wait until that time comes,” Fulher adds.
All three men have a different view on the course of tomorrow’s race. For example, Fulher estimates the chances of a next world title at 40 percent for Verstappen, who has regularly capitalized on fewer great opportunities.
Yet Fulher is also realistic. “I expect Verstappen to be in 1st place, and then Norris should be in 4th place. That probably won’t happen, although there are opportunities for everyone.”
“I have a hard time about it, and I’m afraid that Norris will still take the title,” says Pol. “Something special has to happen before Verstappen becomes champion. But the most important thing for us is that it will be a pleasant Sunday.”
Still, the celebrations can end a bit more exuberantly today, according to Huisman. He is more positive about the match. “We are going for the championship in good spirits. If there are some accidents in the first corner, anything can happen,” he predicts.
In any case, that won’t be Pol’s fault. “I have a special lucky blouse with all the faces of the bar owner on it. I always wear that for Formula 1 races. So if things work out tomorrow, it will be because of that blouse!”