F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali prepares for the final race day in Zandvoort. After 2026, the Dutch GP will disappear from the calendar and Max Verstappen and company will no longer compete on the dune circuit. However, Dutch racing fans can still enjoy Verstappen for the time being: earlier this week he announced that he has extended his Red Bull contract. Domenicali reacts happily to the Dutchman’s continuation and looks back with satisfaction on the Dutch GP adventure.
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“The news that Max (Verstappen, ed.) will stay with Red Bull for the coming years is the icing on the cake for this weekend,” said Domenicali in an interview with F1.com. “It is fantastic news, I am very proud and happy about it. After all, Max is a world champion, a top driver with a great personality in the sport, and I cannot imagine Formula 1 without him.” Verstappen already had a contract until the end of 2028, but ahead of his last home race he signed for another two years. This also put an end to all rumors about a transfer or early retirement.
“I am very happy that this news is now official and that all the gossip comes to an end,” said the Italian. “I am sure that Red Bull will now fully focus on producing the best possible car for Max.” Domenicali is also looking forward to the main race in Zandvoort. Instead of feeling sad about the end of the collaboration, he looks back with satisfaction on the past years in the Dutch dunes.
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Zandvoort earns a place in F1 history books
“It has been amazing,” he beamed. “I want to start by thanking everyone: Zandvoort and all the Dutch fans who have brought all their energy to Formula 1. The circuit appeared on the calendar at a difficult time, with corona, and yet they put on an incredible event. The energy of the crowd has always been a benchmark within Formula 1, so that is just fantastic. We will not look back sadly on this last weekend at Zandvoort, but with a positive feeling. This was a unique race, which will certainly earn a place in the F1 history books.”
Domenicali and Formula 1 do not have much time to dwell on the Dutch GP. The second half of the season promises to be very busy, with multiple triple headers. “A lot is happening,” he continued enthusiastically. “We have just picked up the thread again, but after Zandvoort Monza is already on the program. It will be insanely busy there again, and shortly after that we will of course start a new challenge in Madrid.” In September, the renewed Spanish GP will be held in the capital. “A beautiful place where a race is held again after many, many years.”
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Read everything about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort here
