F1 can’t afford to lose Max Verstappen’s home race from the calendar

The Dutch GP could be removed from the Formula 1 calendar altogether after its current contract expires in 2025.

F1 can’t afford to lose Max Verstappen’s home race from the calendar

Max Verstappen, Max Verstappen wins 2023 Dutch GP (images via IMAGO)

The Formula 1 summer break comes to an end this weekend at the Dutch GP. The iconic Zandvoort circuit is the home race for reigning world champion Max Verstappen. As such, it is no surprise that the grandstands are covered in a sea of orange for the Dutch driver. However, this race could soon be gone off the F1 calendar.

The Dutch GP‘s current contract with Formula 1 expires after the 2025 race. The organizers have mentioned that they will be working hard to get another extension for the future. However, it is clear that such a deal is not certain at this stage.

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Formula 1 is looking to expand to more regions including a return to Africa with a Grand Prix in Rwanda. This could inevitably force Zandvoort off the calendar altogether. However, the pinnacle of motorsport needs to keep racing in Max Verstappen‘s backyard.

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Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

The Dutch GP is one of the most thrilling races on the calendar

Zandvoort is a unique track. The iconic Dutch circuit is the steepest track in F1 right now with a banking of 19 degrees on some corners. This creates for an exciting race as fans are not used to see such steep corners nowadays. Moreover, it makes for interesting action on-track.

Max Verstappen
Max Verstappen (via IMAGO)

Moreover, it is the home race for one of the all-time greats in F1 history, Max Verstappen. The Dutch race goes sold out as hundreds of thousands of fans come to support their local hero. Not having the Dutch GP would be like not having the British GP which is indeed unimaginable.

Lastly, if the Dutch GP is put off the calendar, it will likely be replaced by another street race, something which traditional fans are not fond of. Zandvoort is one of the fan-favorite traditional circuits and it would be a shame to replace it with another Hermann Tilke-designed street circuit.

Certainly, at the end of the day, money matters. Formula 1 will make its decision based on the hosting fees paid by Zandvoort. As such, all fans can do is hope that this jewel of a race is not forced out of the sport altogether after 2025.

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