Queen Máxima’s witty F1 remark steals the show at the Dutch Grand Prix with Princesses Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane by her side

Queen Máxima surprises everyone with a cheeky Comment: “I’m Queen of the Netherlands, but…”

Queen Máxima steals the show at Formula 1 with Princesses Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane by her side

SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 11:04 AM EDTSEP 1, 2025, 11:04 AM EDT

The seaside Zandvoort circuit was alive with excitement on Sunday as Formula 1 rolled into town for the fifteenth race of the season.

Among the VIPs were none other than King Willem-Alexander, Queen Máxima, and their three daughters: Princess Amalia (21), Princess Alexia (20), and Princess Ariane (18). True F1 fans, the royals rarely miss the chance to watch the world’s fastest cars race on home turf.

Princess Ariane of The Netherlands, Queen Maxima of The Netherlands, Princess Alexia of The Netherlands and Princess Amalia of The Netherlands at the Dutch Grand Prix

King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands and Queen Maxima of The Netherlands at the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort Circuit on August 31, 2025 in Zandvoort, Netherlands

Before the race started, the Dutch royal family strolled through the paddock, credentials hanging around their necks, enjoying the electric atmosphere. They even had the chance to wish four-time world champion Max Verstappen good luck, with the 58-year-old king warmly embracing the driver to wish him luck before he headed to the track.

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing talks with King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on the grid prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Netherlands

It was Queen Máxima, though, who stole the spotlight with a lighthearted interview in Spanish on DAZN. The network broadcasting the event asked who she was rooting for; she did not hesitate: “Of course, we’re here to support Max Verstappen. He’s starting in third, but you never know what can happen.”

Princess Amalia of The Netherlands and King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands at the Dutch Grand Prix — Princess Amalia and King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands

When the reporter followed up, suggesting she might also have a soft spot for fellow Argentine driver Franco Colapinto of Alpine, Máxima laughed and replied with a playful pause: “Well, look, I’m Queen of the Netherlands… so… but I wish both of them the best.”

Franco Colapinto of Argentina and Alpine F1 Team walks on the track during the F1 Grand Prix of Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on August 31, 2025

Her comment made it clear that, despite being born in Buenos Aires in 1971 and spending much of her life in Argentina, the wife of the head of state had no doubts about where her preferences lay. Máxima’s heart is firmly with her adopted homeland when it comes to Formula 1.

The Dutch Royal Family attended their country's Grand Prix. The King watched the race with his daughters, princeses: Amalia, Alexia, and Ariane

Still, she made sure to add that above all, to clarify, that she wished the best “for everyone,” and wanted a safe race without accidents, “That’s the number one thing.”

In the end, the royals did not get to celebrate a Verstappen victory, though the local hero still finished strong, claiming second place behind Australia’s Oscar Piastri of McLaren.

Oscar Piastri of the McLaren F1 Team and Isack Hadjar of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team celebrate on the podium after the race of the Dutch GP, the 15th round of the Formula 1 World Championship

Among the Spanish drivers, Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin secured a solid eighth, while Carlos Sainz of Williams came in thirteenth. Colapinto crossed the line in eleventh.