Why Zandvoort is giving up on F1 before Verstappen

Organisers of Formula 1’s Dutch Grand Prix have explained the reasoning behind calling time on their event while local hero Max Verstappen is still at the height of his powers.

On Wednesday the Dutch Grand Prix and F1 jointly announced they agreed a one-year contract extension for 2026, but that edition will also be Zandvoort’s last for the time being.

Propelled by Verstappen’s exploding popularity in his home country, Zandvoort’s return in 2021 has been an all-round success for F1, with the event scoring high marks for its festival-like atmosphere and off-track entertainment, as well as its green credentials given the reliance on public transportation.

The event was always seen as one that was only possible under the unique circumstances provided by Verstappen, with its fate intertwined with that of the Red Bull driver whose contract expires in 2028, and who has long signaled he isn’t keen on going on forever in F1.

But as one of several European F1 rounds vying to keep their spot on a rammed 24-race calendar, the Dutch event has quickly held up its hand and said it is not to desperate to continue its race until Verstappen is done at all costs.

Various scenarios were on the table, including being part of F1’s planned rotation system for some of its European races, until the Dutch decided a few weeks ago that one additional edition beyond their current contract was enough.

According to Zandvoort circuit director Robert van Overdijk, the organisers felt it was prudent to call it quits while they were still ahead, with their privately funded event carrying too many financial risks to keep going on the long-term.

“Of course, we have been speaking with F1 management continuously,” Van Overdijk told Motorsport.com. “For the period after 2025 all sorts of scenarios were on the table, but a few weeks ago we decided that stopping on a high note is the best option for us at the moment. Unlike many other countries, we don’t receive government support, so at the end of the day we are responsible for the bottom line, and based on that we have to be very thorough on calculating our financial risks.”

Government support, as enjoyed by the neighboring Belgian Grand Prix in Spa, isn’t just key in helping afford F1’s sanctioning fee. It also helps absorb operational losses under the guise of promoting tourism, which Zandvoort can’t rely on.

Further eating into the race’s bottom line this year is a so-called “fun tax” of 3 euro per attendee. The event needs to sell out all three days to be able to break even, which it can’t guarantee even despite Verstappen’s reign. Plans in The Hague to raise VAT on ticket sales from 9 to 21 percent were shelved last month after facing fierce opposition, but those discussions further highlighted Zandvoort’s vulnerability to fiscal policies, making signing a guaranteed three-race extension even riskier.

“We have had to make an analysis of all factors that come into play, including regulations and taxes,” Van Overdijk explained. “The question is, will the enthusiasm for Formula 1 in the Netherlands remain as high as it is now over the coming years? We need a sold-out event on all three days to pay the bills, Saturday and Sunday aren’t enough. We managed that over the past few years, but will we be able to keep doing that?

“I think this is a smart and perhaps also a brave decision. Why would you keep going until you can’t carry on anymore? We have decided to go out on a high and not when we’re over the hill.”

Lando Norris, McLaren MCL38, 1st position, takes the chequered flag as his team cheers from the pit wall

Photo by: Andrew Ferraro / Motorsport Images

F1 was understood to be keen for Zandvoort to remain part of its European pool of races, and it is not thought its financial demands were a particular stumbling block for Zandvoort.

“It’s clear that we have built a fantastic relationship with F1 management,” Van Overdijk added. “[F1 CEO] Stefano Domenicali has always made it very clear that they wanted to keep us on the calendar. This is definitely not down to F1.

“We could have kept going for a few more years, whether or not in a rotation system, but we have worked with F1 on all the options and at the end of the day this is the choice we have made. If we had wanted to continue after 2026, I’m sure we could have come to a good agreement with F1. They have seen the obstacles we face to host a race in the Netherlands, so they understand and respect our decision.”

“I think we can proud of closing a historic chapter for Dutch sporting history. The 2026 season will be iconic for F1 with the new regulations and engines, which means everyone is starting from scratch. So, at least we are going out with a bang.”