Together with other VIP winners, I was welcomed with coffee by Oracle employees. After receiving the ticket, access control and wristband, we headed to the Corporate Lounge. This is a building behind the main stand especially for sponsors where free food and drinks are available all day. I could do something with that! After shaking some hands, we were taken to the Formula 2 paddock. Suddenly I found myself among the F2 cars that were already lined up to complete their free training. Touching them, smelling them and hearing them, it was all possible. After a loud signal I had to be careful not to be hit by these cars myself. They left quite suddenly for the free practice. We then headed to the main stand. The seats in this grandstand were directly opposite the pit box of the F1 RedBull Racing Team. Here we all received an Oracle Redbull Racing cap and polo shirt. Just change shirts, put on hats and we were completely part of it. Very impressive to experience like this. After watching the F2 free practice it was time for a snack and a drink, so off to Corporate Lounge.
Once we had eaten and drank, the next surprise awaited us. There were a number of VIP paddock tickets ready for F1! After we passed under the circuit and through the entrance gates, I stood directly behind the pit boxes of the F1 teams. Because the pit boxes in Zandvoort are quite tight, we were not allowed into the pit boxes themselves. But to be among the mechanics, drivers, journalists and other guests is already a great honor. We went from the last team (Williams) to the first team (RedBull Racing). Saw many familiar faces such as the guys from Viaplay. Then we went through a gate again and almost had a scandal. McLaren driver Lando Norris passed by on an electric scooter and one of us wasn't looking closely. I'll leave it open as to who. Luckily we were just able to avoid each other. There were several drivers who passed quickly, such as Oscar Piastri and Alex Albon. I also spotted Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo on a scooter together, but due to the crowds and the pace I was unable to capture them in a photo.
We walked to the RedBull Energy Station. Doctor Helmut Marko stood at the door and gave me an approving nod when I wanted to take a photo of him. At least that's how I understood it. Inside, Jos Verstappen was talking to a group of people. Because you never know how they will react with a Verstappen, I politely asked if I could take a photo. They happily cooperated. When I turned around, team boss Christian Horner was standing in front of me. So another photo.
After a nice cup of coffee and an Austrian sandwich, we explored the entire hospitality unit. Up and down several stairs and visited all balconies and areas. Only the drivers' areas were off-limits to us. We also made a number of fans happy. By sticking our heads out of a window, these fans started pointing, shouting, waving and taking pictures of us. We have not made them wiser; I'm sure they had a nice day too.
On the way back to the stands I met my childhood hero Damon Hill. He worked as a reporter at Skysports. Anyway, I took a selfie with the best man in the background. Then Haas team boss Günther Steiner walked past us. He also had to accept it and had his picture taken with me.
After a snack and a drink in the lounge we watched the first F1 free practice, followed by more food and drinks and the Formula 2 qualifying. After this qualification we were able to go to the F2 paddock again for a personal explanation from chief engineer Stefan de Groot of the Rodin Carlin F2 team. The Porsche Supercup was ready to roll out for their first session, so that meant keeping your ears shut because those cars make a lot of noise. I had a chat with the engineer and he took all his time. He spoke enthusiastically and seemed to appreciate my interest. Maybe I was able to make his day a little after a bad qualifying for the team.
The day ended with more food and drinks and watching the free practice of the Porsche Supercup. There I found out that Wilfred Scholman is the "Leader Oracle Netherlands", so to speak, director of Oracle Netherlands. Well, because of the crowds and noise I had missed that introduction. Then it was really time to go home. Tired but very satisfied, I left for home. How I enjoyed this day with only one problem; cramp in my cheeks because I can't get that smile off my face!