Max Verstappen breaks silence on Dutch GP not getting extended beyond 2026
Max Verstappen has reacted to the news of the Dutch Grand Prix leaving the F1 calendar after the 2026 season.
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Max Verstappen and Zandvoort circuit (via IMAGO)
After Dutch GP promoters announced their plans to axe the Dutch GP post-2026, shock waves were sent trundling down the paddock as many had expected it to become a staple in the sport. However, with the inevitable reality knocking on the organizers’ doors, Max Verstappen reflected on how he only has two more home races left in F1.
In 2021, the Dutch GP returned to the F1 calendar after a 35-year-long hiatus. Zandvoort hosted the Grand Prix, and the whole event looked to gain mass traction among F1 fans as a Dutch driver in the form of Max Verstappen had been dominating the sport.
This led people to expect the Dutch GP to remain on the calendar for many years as an army of orange swarmed the track every year. On the other hand, Verstappen’s massive support contrastingly hid away the smaller number of ticket sales, which the track suffered with.
With the race not being promoted by the state, keeping it on the calendar became tough for the private organizers. Despite feeling dejected, the 27-year-old rejoiced all the moments and understood the reasoning behind such a move.
I’m sad it’s not going to continue but I’m very proud of what they have done – when I started in F1, I never expected we’d ever go back to Zandvoort. Seeing all the fans there was and is amazing.
Max Verstappen said
???️ | Max on Dutch GP not getting extension beyond 2026:
— RBR News ???? (@redbulletin) December 5, 2024
"I'm sad it's not going to continue but I'm very proud of what they have done – when I started in F1, I never expected we'd ever go back to Zandvoort. Seeing all the fans there was and is amazing."#AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/hFm2Axxd1s
Moreover, in 2026, the Dutch GP is slated to get its first Sprint race weekend. Thus, the event is expected to go out with a bang as the weekend will be filled with jam-packed action before it bids goodbye to the F1 world.
Max Verstappen wants to end the season on a high with Red Bull
Max Verstappen has already bagged his fourth title and could take a sigh of relief. With Abu Dhabi being the final round of the 2024 season, he will look to give his all before the F1 world heads into the off-season.
Subsequently, the Dutchman claimed that he would like to win the season finale in Abu Dhabi. He said that it would give much-needed motivation to the engineers in Milton Keynes to keep their faith in the team.
It has been a long season and we are ready for a bit of time off and to spend quality time at home with family and friends. The team have worked incredibly hard this season and everyone deserves a break to relax once the season has wrapped. It would be great to finish the season on a high and try and bring home the win here.
Max Verstappen said
???️ | Max ahead of Abu Dhabi GP
— RBR News ???? (@redbulletin) December 3, 2024
"Qatar was an exciting race and it felt good to win there again. The car felt a lot better to drive and it was a great performance all round from the Team. We are on to the final race of the season and Abu Dhabi always brings back good memories.… pic.twitter.com/OKSXHWaJMt
On the other hand, the answer to who will fill the second seat at Red Bull remains a mystery, as Sergio Perez has not had a great run of races to support his case. There is along list of potential replacements for the Mexican heading into the 2025 season.
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Geetansh Pasricha
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