The Dutch GP at the Zandvoort circuit will definitively disappear from the F1 calendar after 2026. The event’s organizers have announced their intention to end on a high note. This is surprising, given that there was previously a principle agreement with FOM to rotate with three other races on the calendar, namely Spa-Francorchamps, Barcelona, and Imola. However, the conditions were not deemed attractive enough.
The decision to stop was made after lengthy negotiations with Formula One Management. “There were several options on the table to continue,” emphasized Dutch GP director Robert van Overdijk to NOS. “We could rotate with other circuits, there were also possibilities to continue annually. We made a lot of considerations and this is the outcome. Ultimately, it is our choice. Perhaps the F1 top is surprised, but they certainly respect and understand us. They know how we have to work.”
‘Powerful Decision’
The Dutch GP is privately funded. Van Overdijk calls it a powerful decision. “You might say: if it’s successful, why not just continue? But it’s a message of strength. We’re going out with a bang. Of course, it also gives a nostalgic feeling, but we are mainly proud.”
The decision is final. He denies that this could be a way to still garner enough financial support to continue. “We are definitely stopping.
