Max Verstappen is about to compete in his last home Grand Prix at Zandvoort. A disappearance from the calendar that he regrets, even if he puts this departure into perspective.
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An important chapter in recent Formula 1 history will turn this weekend at Zandvoort. Unless there is a new change in the coming years, the Dutch Grand Prix will disappear from the calendar after this 2026 edition.
The Dutch circuit has a long history with the sport. The first Formula 1 races were held there as early as 1950, before the event was integrated into the world championship in 1952.
After several disappearances from the calendar, Zandvoort finally returned to F1 in 2021 after 36 years of absence. A comeback largely driven by Max Verstappen’s immense popularity in the Netherlands.
Since then, the orange stands and the special atmosphere surrounding the event have made it one of the most recognizable fixtures of the season.
Verstappen wants to enjoy his crowd one last time
For Verstappen, this last edition will obviously have a special flavor. The Red Bull driver has won three of the five Grands Prix held at Zandvoort since the circuit’s return to the calendar.
He especially intends to enjoy this last meeting with his supporters.
“Obviously, we have known it for some time now. It’s my home Grand Prix, so I will really try to enjoy it to the fullest. I also hope to have fun behind the wheel!”
A small reference to his difficult weekend in Hungary despite his second place.
“I hope to enjoy it a bit more than in Hungary, at least. But it will be great to see the fans.”
The Dutchman nevertheless refuses to consider this edition as a real farewell to Zandvoort.
“The circuit is not going to disappear”
If Formula 1 leaves the venue, the circuit will obviously continue to host other motorsport competitions.
An important point in Verstappen’s eyes, who intends to keep driving there in the future.
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“Okay, we will no longer have a Formula 1 Grand Prix there, but many other categories will continue to race there. And if you want to participate in a track day, the circuit is not going to disappear.”
“So I will continue to enjoy driving there, just no longer in Formula 1, and that’s okay.”
The four-time world champion thus primarily wants to enjoy the special atmosphere that should surround this final edition.
“I just want to enjoy it with the fans.”
A return that marked Formula 1
Verstappen also wants to acknowledge the work done to enable the return of the Dutch Grand Prix in 2021.
The event quickly gained a very strong identity, notably thanks to its stands filled with Dutch supporters and the many activities organized around the race.
According to the Red Bull driver, Zandvoort even showed the way to other organizers.
“It’s incredibly impressive what they accomplished to bring this race back. When they organized the first edition, I think it was an excellent example for many other Grands Prix on how to organize an event and entertain the public.”
After five seasons since its return, the adventure will nevertheless come to an end.
“It’s a shame, but the track will always be there”
Verstappen does not hide a certain disappointment at the idea of losing his only home Grand Prix.
“Yes, it’s a shame, but on the other hand, the circuit will always be there and I’m sure I will still do many laps there.”
A pragmatic way to approach the disappearance of the event, whose future beyond 2026 is now uncertain.
Before that, Verstappen will have one last chance to shine in front of his crowd. After three wins at Zandvoort since 2021, the Red Bull driver will try to conclude this period in the best possible way, even if he assures that his personal story with the Dutch circuit is far from over.
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