It’s official: after 2026, the Grand Prix of Zandvoort will disappear from the Formula 1 calendar. The news broke yesterday, causing immediate disappointment among fans and drivers alike. For many, the return of the race in 2021 was a highlight, thanks in part to the unique atmosphere and the undeniable support for Max Verstappen.
Verstappen: ‘Proud of what they’ve achieved’
Verstappen responded to the news during a press conference, expressing his regret that the Dutch GP will not continue after 2026. “I’m sad that it’s ending,” said the Dutchman. “I’m proud of what they’ve accomplished. When I started in Formula 1, I never expected to race there, so it was great that it happened.”
The four-time world champion also expressed his respect for the organization. “They should be proud of what they’ve achieved. It was always special to see the fans there and feel their support. I’m looking forward to the final edition, especially because a sprint race will be held then.”
Confidence heading towards Abu Dhabi
During the same press conference, Verstappen looked ahead to the season finale in Abu Dhabi, where he is once again the favorite to win. His recent victory in Qatar gave him extra confidence, despite the significant differences between the two circuits. “Abu Dhabi is of course very different,” Verstappen explained. “But as you saw in Qatar: even if you don’t start the weekend well, you can be competitive. The qualification there surprised us positively, and Abu Dhabi has been kind to us in the past.” Whether he wins or not, Verstappen remains grounded: “It won’t change much about how we’ll go into the winter. But of course, we’ll do our best to finish the season strong.”
