F1 World Champion Max Verstappen has been dealt a blow after it was announced his home Dutch Grand Prix will be cut from the racing calendar.
Formula 1 made the announcement on Wednesday morning after a one-year extension had been agreed with the promoter to 2026, with Circuit Zandvoort to host a Sprint format for the first time. However the deal will end there meaning the penultimate edition of the Dutch GP is penned in for August 29-31 in 2025. The decision will be a blow to home hero and four-time world champion Verstappen, who has been top of the podium three times at the track since it returned to the calendar in 2021.
Zandvoort made a triumphant return after 35 years away. Formula 1 president and CEO, Stefano Domenicali, 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.