F1 announces track to make SHOCK exit from race calendar

Start of the Dutch Grand Prix — Photo: © IMAGO

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F1 announces track to make SHOCK exit from race calendar

The popular circuit is set to leave the calendar

Simmey Hannifin Donaldson Chief Editor

Wednesday 4 December 2024 11:39 Updated: 15:17

Formula 1 has made a huge announcement regarding the Dutch Grand Prix and its future on the race calendar.

Currently held at Circuit Zandvoort in the Netherlands, the Dutch Grand Prix returned to the F1 schedule in 2021 after a 36-year hiatus.

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Red Bull star and four-time world champion Max Verstappen has dominated the modern-day event at his home race, winning three on the bounce between 2021 and 2023 before McLaren's Lando Norris took victory in 2024.

Given Verstappen's popularity and the fact that Zandvoort hosts his home race, the grandstands are often packed out in orange, and there is a real party atmosphere at the circuit.

The Dutch Grand Prix is Max Verstappen's home race

Lando Norris won the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix

Dutch Grand Prix set to leave F1 calendar

It appears the popularity of Verstappen has not been enough to save the event, however, with a statement confirming that 2026 will be the last time the race features on the F1 schedule.

F1 and the Dutch GP promoter have agreed to a one-year extension to see the race remain until then, but after that, the race promoter has taken the decision not to remain on the calendar.

"I am incredibly grateful for the work that the team at the Dutch Grand Prix have done in recent years," said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.

"They raised the bar for European Grands Prix in terms of event spectacle and entertainment, supported the development of young talent by hosting F2, F3 and our F1 ACADEMY series, and have also pioneered sustainable solutions that have inspired our events around the world as we drive towards being Net Zero by 2030.

Max Verstappen fans filling the grandstands at Zandvoort

"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. I want to thank all the team at the Dutch Grand Prix and the Municipality of Zandvoort who have been fantastic partners to Formula 1.”

Meanwhile, Robert van Overdijk, Director of the Dutch GP, added: "The Dutch Grand Prix is the result of a unique collaboration between SportVibes, TIG Sports, and Circuit Zandvoort, who shared the ambition of bringing the race back to the Netherlands,"

"What we have achieved so far is undoubtedly a huge success. The appreciation from our visitors, drivers, and teams has been unprecedented, and we are incredibly proud of that.

"While today’s announcement signals the end of a monumental era, we are confident there is plenty more for fans to look forward to at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025 and 2026, including the Sprint in 2026."

“We are a private company and we have to balance the opportunities the event offers with other risks and responsibilities. We have decided to say goodbye on a good note with two more fantastic Dutch Grand Prix in 2025 and 2026. We wanted to take this step at our peak with the appreciation of the passionate fans and the entire Formula 1 community. I would like to thank Stefano Domenicali and the entire Formula 1 team for the hard work that has resulted in multiple contract extensions and made the Dutch Grand Prix such a success.”

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Written by

Simmey Hannifin Donaldson - Chief Editor

Simmey Hannifin Donaldson is a motorsport journalist and editor specializing in NASCAR. He covers the sport across the Cup Series, O'Reilly Auto Parts Series, and Truck Series, producing breaking news, live race reports, features, analysis, and opinion.

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Red Bull Max Verstappen McLaren Lando Norris Dutch Grand Prix Circuit Zandvoort