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Max Verstappen has described the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix as a “shame”, with the Zandvoort race set to leave the Formula 1 calendar after this weekend — at least for the foreseeable future.
The event carries particular weight for Verstappen. The Netherlands, and Zandvoort in particular, has a long association with Formula 1 dating back to 1950, while its first appearance as part of the world championship came in 1952. The circuit has subsequently disappeared from the calendar several times, including a 36-year absence before its return in 2021.
Verstappen was central to that comeback. Over the last five years, Zandvoort has developed into one of the most atmospheric venues on the schedule, with the Dutch driver’s home support providing a defining backdrop. Ahead of the final race, fans can also review the full 2026 Dutch Grand Prix schedule and Sprint format before the weekend begins.
Verstappen has won three of the five Dutch Grands Prix held since the race returned. This weekend therefore represents his final opportunity to deliver a home-race performance for the supporters who helped make Zandvoort’s return such a significant moment in the modern Formula 1 calendar.
Asked about the final Dutch Grand Prix by selected media, including RacingNews365, Verstappen said he intended to embrace the occasion — and hoped the driving experience would be more enjoyable than it had been in Hungary.
“Yeah, of course, we’ve known this now for a while. It’s my home grand prix, so for sure I’m going to enjoy it a lot. I hope, driving-wise!” Verstappen said. “Hopefully a bit more than I did in Hungary, at least. But, yeah, it’s going to be great to see the fans.”
The four-time Zandvoort winner also stressed that the circuit’s future does not end with Formula 1’s departure. Other racing categories will continue to compete there, while track days will remain possible.
“Okay, we won’t have a Formula 1 Grand Prix there, but there are a lot of other series that still race there, and if you want to have a track day, the track is not going to disappear,” he added.
For Verstappen, the immediate priority is to enjoy the final F1 weekend with the crowd. The circuit will remain available, and he expects to drive there again — simply outside Formula 1.
“It’s incredibly impressive what they have done to bring it back,” he said. “So, yeah, it’s a shame, but on the other hand, the track’s still there and I’m sure I will do more laps around there. So, it is what it is.”
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.