Reigning champion Max Verstappen stated that he is sad that his home race will disappear from the schedule after the Dutch Grand Prix confirmed that they will host an F1 round in 2026 for the last time in the foreseeable future.
Formula One announced last week that the Dutch Grand Prix secured a one-year extension to its current contract, but the race will disappear from the F1 schedule after the 2026 season.
Formula 1 has confirmed that the Dutch Grand Prix promoter secured a one-year contract extension which will see Circuit Zandvoort remain on the Formula 1 calendar through the 2026 season. However, the promoted has elected to not remain on the calendar after 2026.
The Dutch Grand Prix returned to the F1 calendar in 2021, and its return saw local hero Max Verstappen dominate the first three years. However, this year’s Dutch Grand Prix saw Lando Norris take the honours, winning the Zandvoort round with a comfortable margin over his rivals.
Reflecting on the announcement, reigning champion Max Verstappen stated that he is sad that his home race will disappear from the schedule after the 2026 round.
“I mean, of course, when I look at it, it’s, of course, something that I’m sad about that it’s not going to continue. But on the other hand, also, I’m very proud of what they have done. And I think when I started in Formula 1, I would have never imagined that we would go back to Zandvoort.
“And the races that we’ve had there, the event that they put on, I have a lot of respect for that. And I’m proud that I played a part in that as well. And seeing all the fans there was and is, of course, amazing. And I’m really looking forward to the final two years.
“But they can be very proud of what they have achieved. And yeah, I think the final year, 26, we have a Sprint event also. They say they’re going to go out with a bang. So I’m also very excited to see that,” concluded Verstappen.
