Meet the Orange Army DJ Amplifying the Max Verstappen Experience
The Soundtrack of Verstappen Nation
As Formula 1 emerges from its summer slumber, the Dutch coastline braces for an orange tsunami. The seaside town of Zandvoort transforms into a pulsating carnival this weekend, where 100,000 fans clad in Vermilion will create Europe’s most electrifying sporting amphitheater. At the heart of this combustion-powered festival stands an unexpected maestro: DJ Admin, the official sonic architect of Max Verstappen’s devoted ‘Orange Army’.
The Orange Army DJ Behind the Frenzy
Known off-stage as Rick Jansen, this Rotterdam native has become as essential to the Verstappen experience as victory donuts. Max isn’t just a driver – he’s our modern-day Willem of Orange, Jansen tells BBC Sport between soundchecks. He’s rewritten Dutch sporting history, yet remains remarkably grounded amid the god-like status fans bestow.
The Orange Army DJ’s journey mirrors Verstappen’s meteoric rise. Starting in 2014 with humble sets at Spa’s youth grandstand, Jansen now commands 24,000-strong orange brigades across four continents. His signature blend of Dutch house and stadium anthems has become the oxygen feeding F1’s most passionate fan community.
Engineering the Orange Atmosphere
Circuit Zandvoort’s final F1 hurrah (until at least 2026) elevates this weekend’s proceedings from race to cultural event. There’s no comparable energy in motorsport, Jansen observes. When 14,000 orange-clad fans sing Gala’s ‘Freed From Desire’ in unison, the grandstand literally vibrates.
The Orange Army DJ’s craft involves careful cultural calibration. Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline plays well for international crowds, but Dutch contingency demands localized lyrics – often to organizers’ chagrin. Our adapted chant of ‘take your shirt off and wave!’ brings out security like red flags, Jansen laughs. Yet it’s this unabashed passion that makes Orange grandstands feel like Ajax meets Tomorrowland.
Beyond the Decks: An F1 Institution
Jansen’s influence now extends far beyond the Orange Army terraces. A surprise grid appearance at Spa’s sprint race introduced his mixes to Formula 1’s inner sanctum. Playing for VIPs and drivers requires completely different energy – smoother, lower BPM, but still impactful, he explains.
The Orange Army DJ’s rhythm caught the ear of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who slid into Jansen’s DMs after Hungary’s grid session. Charles messaged asking for track IDs – proving even rivals can’t resist a proper beat, Jansen reveals with pride.
The Future of Orange Terraces
As Zandvoort prepares its F1 swan song, concerns emerge about sustaining Verstappen-mania. Ticket prices and repetitive grandstand locations challenge fan retention, Jansen acknowledges. The magic requires constant reinvention.
Yet for now, the Orange Army DJ remains focused on delivering three days of unadulterated Dutch euphoria. This weekend isn’t just about racing – it’s our national celebration of Max’s legacy, Jansen states as he queues up another playlist. When the flares ignite and orange smoke engulfs Tarzanbocht, we’re not just spectators – we’re history-makers.
Verstappen himself acknowledges the phenomenon: That sea of orange ignites something special in me, the champion admitted during Thursday’s press conference. While I can’t join their party, hearing that energy from the cockpit? That’s championship fuel.
A Legacy in the Mix
As DJ Admin prepares his final Zandvoort set, he embodies F1’s cultural evolution under Liberty Media – transforming race weekends into immersive festivals. What began as niche fan gatherings now influences global F1 experiences, proving the Orange Army DJ’s impact extends far beyond his turntables.
For Verstappen’s legion, Jansen’s beats provide more than entertainment – they’re the heartbeat of a movement. And as the Dutch maestro cues his closing tracks this weekend, one truth becomes clear: in the symphony of modern Formula 1, the Orange Army DJ has composed an anthem that will echo long after Zandvoort’s final lap.
