Max Verstappen announced that he is leaving, as he now encounters…
Max Verstappen’s home race exits F1 as the Dutch GP departure opens up new opportunities.
F1 leaders have been exploring opportunities for new events beyond Europe, with significant interest from several countries. The departure of the Dutch Grand Prix opens up space for these potential additions.
Formula 1 officials have confirmed that the Dutch Grand Prix will no longer appear on the annual race calendar.
Circuit Zandvoort, located on the coast of the Netherlands, made its comeback to Formula 1 in 2021 after a 35-year break. However, as announced this Wednesday, a new contract extension will mark what appears to be the final Dutch Grand Prix for now.
The new agreement guarantees that the event will be included in the 2026 calendar. However, beyond that year, it has been confirmed that Max Verstappen will not have a home race anymore—a decision attributed to the event’s promoter by F1.
Robert van Overdijk, the Director of the Dutch GP, expressed: “Today’s announcement marks the close of a significant chapter. However, we are optimistic about what lies ahead for fans at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025 and 2026, which will feature a Sprint event in 2026. As an independently owned and operated enterprise, it is crucial for us to weigh opportunities offered by ongoing hosting against various other risks and obligations.”
“We’ve chosen to conclude on a high note with two more outstanding Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026. We wanted to make this decision while our event is cherished and backed by enthusiastic fans, local residents, and the Formula 1 community.”
As F1 officials explore new opportunities for events beyond Europe, the Zandvoort race was facing the possibility of having to share its spot on the calendar. Previously, there were reports that it might alternate annually with the Belgian Grand Prix.
Zandvoort’s departure is expected to benefit Spa-Francorchamps, one of Formula 1’s most renowned and historic circuits. However, both Spa-Francorchamps and the Imola circuit, which hosts the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, only have contracts extending until 2025 for inclusion in the annual calendar. This leaves open the possibility that they may need to share a slot or that one could be removed entirely.
