Verstappen's home Dutch Grand Prix to exit F1 calendar after 2026

By Sports Desk December 04, 2024

Max Verstappen's home Dutch Grand Prix will drop off the calendar after the 2026 season, Formula One confirmed on Wednesday.

A one-year contract extension to host the race at the Zandvoort track, which returned to the schedule in 2021 after a 36-year absence, has been signed to ensure there will be two more events.

The penultimate edition of the Dutch Grand Prix will take place from August 29-31 in 2025, with the decision a blow to home favourite Verstappen. 

The Red Bull driver won the first three races after Zandvoort returned to the calendar, before McLaren's Lando Norris triumphed this year.

Only Jim Clark (four) has won more times around the track than Verstappen, with his three triumphs level with Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda. 

Stefano Domenicali, F1's president and CEO, said: "I am incredibly grateful for the work that the team at the Dutch Grand Prix have done in recent years.

"All parties positively collaborated to find a solution to extend the race, with many options, including alternation or annual events on the table, and we respect the decision from the promoter to finish its amazing run in 2026."

Robert van Overdijk, Director of the Dutch Grand Prix, said: "We are a privately owned and operated business, and we must balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event, against other risks and responsibilities.

"We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026."

The calendar is already at a record 24 races and Domenicali has spoken of some European races alternating to allow others to come in.

The Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa and Imola in Italy are all seen as candidates for rotation from 2026.

F1 is seeking to expand into Africa, and is holding talks with Rwanda about an event near Kigali. 

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