Verstappen excited for Dutch GP deal

Max Verstappen is "very enthusiastic" about the prospect of having a home race on the Formula 1 calendar in 2020 amid claims that Zandvoort has struck a deal that will see the Dutch Grand Prix return after an absence that will have stretched to 35 years.

There has not been a Dutch Grand Prix held since 1985, but Verstappen's emergence and the explosion of F1's popularity in the Netherlands has pushed Liberty to seek a race in the Red Bull man's home country.

Zandvoort held all 34 Dutch GPs between 1952 and 1985 and although the circuit does not currently have the FIA Grade 1 status required to host F1 , it is claimed a deal has been struck regardless.

De Telegraaf reports that Liberty has offered to pay €20million to host the event, and quotes the Dutch Prince Bernhard of Oranje as saying: "If we sign now, the Netherlands will have a Grand Prix again in 2020. With Max Verstappen every one of us realises that this is a unique opportunity."

Orange-clad Dutch fans have become a staple sight at many European races and the Austrian GP – Red Bull's home race – has an entire stand dedicated to Verstappen's fanatics.

With the prospect of having a home race to enjoy now in sight, Verstappen is keeping a close eye on developments.

Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen told De Telegraaf: "We are very enthusiastic, and we are also very curious about the next step, because it could make or break the situation.

"We do not know more than what we could read about it."

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