Max Verstappen will lose his home Grand Prix in 2027 (Image: Getty)
joked that should delve into his own pockets to help keep the on the calendar after organisers revealed that the race will be run for the final time in 2026.
F1 was brought back to the iconic Zandvoort circuit in 2021 after a 36-year hiatus in a bid to capitalise on Verstappen’s rise to the top, and it played host to a critical victory en route to the Dutchman’s maiden World Championship triumph. However, after the 2025 and 2026 editions take place, the event will disappear again.
“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,” explained director of the Dutch GP Robert van Overdijk. “We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026.”
In the press conference ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Norris joked: “To be honest, Max earns enough money. He should pay for it himself if he wants a home race… he should do it out of his own pocket.” Verstappen replied: “I do, but I’m not going to spend it on the race!”
While Verstappen has no plans to finance Zandvoort’s spot on the calendar, the Dutchman will be sad to see his home race – which he has won three times – drop off the schedule. “It’s of course something that I’m sad about that it’s not going to continue,” he said in Abu Dhabi.
Don’t miss…
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The Dutch Grand Prix is heading off the F1 calendar (Image: Getty)
“But on the other hand, also, I’m very proud of what they have done. When I started in Formula One, I would have never imagined that we would go back to Zandvoort.
“And the races that we’ve had there, the event that they put on, I have a lot of respect for that. And I’m proud that I played a part in that as well. And seeing all the fans there was and is, of course, amazing.”
More F1… [DRAMA]
The news of the Dutch GP’s exit wasn’t the only calendar change revealed ahead of the season finale in Abu Dhabi. F1 has agreed to extend the Chinese Grand Prix for another five years, keeping it on the schedule until 2030 at least.
However, unlike in 2024, the Shanghai crowd won’t have a home hero to cheer on. was extremely emotional when he raced there in April, but he failed to find a new home on the grid after his Sauber exit was confirmed last month.