Rieu wants to play national anthem at F1 race one more time The New Star, August 23, 2026 André Rieu revealed at the Formula 1 car races in Zandvoort (NL town) that he wants to play the national anthem at the F1 race in Bahrain. André Rieu, a VIP guest at the F1 in Zandvoort on Sunday, revealed to Viaplay cameras that talks are underway to perform at an F1 race again in March 2027. In 2023, the Maastricht native was allowed to play the Wilhelmus (NL National Anthem) with his full orchestra prior to the Dutch Grand Prix. For him, it remains a great honor and a moment he looks back on with pride. Rieu was present on Sunday together with Emma Kok at the final Dutch Formula 1 race in Zandvoort. In an interview with Viaplay, Rieu indicated that he might play the national anthem again next year before the start of a Formula 1 race; Not the Wilhelmus, but the national anthem of the Kingdom of Bahrain in the Persian Gulf. Rieu will perform in Bahrain in March 2027. Rieu performs with his Johann Strauss Orchestra every year at the Beyon Al Dana Amphitheatre in the small oil state. This year, the performance could not take place due to the war in Iran, but the concert is scheduled again for March 19, 2027. That is the week that also marks the opening of the Formula 1 season, and that first race is in Bahrain next year. Rieu said he had discussed it with Stefano Domenicali, the boss of F1. "Who knows, maybe we can combine things and play the national anthem, but the national anthem of Bahrain," said Rieu. As for fitting it into the tour schedule, it would be possible, because only one concert is planned for March, and that is in Bahrain. Will André Rieu play the national anthem of Bahrain next year?