For Max Verstappen, the Dutch GP weekend is all about his last home race in Formula 1. After 2026, Circuit Zandvoort will disappear from the calendar. Although the Dutchman extended his contract with Red Bull this week until 2030, it is unlikely that he will ever race again in front of his own crowd. This also marks ‘the end of an era’ for him.
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Despite the current struggles at Red Bull and the fact that his health is affecting him, Verstappen is still very much looking forward to the Dutch Grand Prix. “I am really looking forward to the race,” he said during a media session at Zandvoort. “Of course, it’s a shame that the whole event disappears afterwards, but well, that’s just how it is.” He confirmed that the last Dutch GP also means ‘the end of an era’ for him. “Having your own home race and being able to win it a few times… I have experienced many great moments here.”
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When asked if Formula 1 will ever return to Zandvoort, Verstappen explained that he has no control over that. He himself does not expect to race again in front of his own crowd. “I don’t think the Dutch GP, if it stops now, will be back on the calendar within four years,” he joked. Due to unrest in the Middle East, European circuits may still act as replacements on the Formula 1 calendar this year. Possibly Zandvoort could also play such a role in the future. “But I can’t say anything about that,” Verstappen shrugged.
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Read everything here about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort
