A FAN-FAVOURITE Formula One track will be scrapped from the calendar after 2026.
The Dutch Grand Prix, the home race of reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen, will be hosting its final two races on the motorsport’s calendar later this year and next year.
SplashThe Dutch Grand Prix will be leaving the F1 Calendar after 2026[/caption]
EPAThe race returned to F1 in 2021 as part of a rise in interest from the nation due to Max Verstappen[/caption]
AFPBetting laws in the country meant Sauber had to drop the name Stake from its name[/caption]
This year the race weekend in Zandvoort is being held on August 29-31 – the first Grand Prix following the summer shutdown.
However, Robert van Overdijk, the Dutch Grand Prix director, confirmed in December of last year that the circuit would only host races for two more years.
He said: “We are a privately owned and operated business, and we must balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event, against other risks and responsibilities.
“We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026.
“We wanted to take this step while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents, and the Formula 1 community.”
Last year, Sauber – who are becoming Audi from 2026 – was forced to drop the Stake sponsor title from its team name because of strict betting rules in the Netherlands.
Zandvoort only returned to F1 in 2021 to capitalise on a boom in interest in the Netherlands following the success of Red Bull star Verstappen – who has won four drivers titles in a row.
For the track’s final F1 appearance in 14 months time, it will remain as the first race following the shutdown, with the race itself commencing on August 23.
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The moves comes in a bid to ease race congestion.
But F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also confirmed the final event will also play host to a Sprint Race.
Domenicali said: “The Dutch Grand Prix has raised the bar for European Grands Prix in terms of event spectacle and entertainment, supported the development of young talent by hosting F2, F3 and our F1 Academy series, and have also pioneered sustainable solutions that have inspired our events around the world as we drive towards being net zero by 2030.
“All parties positively collaborated to find a solution to extend the race, with many options, including alternation or annual events on the table, and we respect the decision from the promoter to finish its amazing run in 2026.”
Rumours had suggested Zandvoort could be used in rotation with the Belgium Grand Prix, with has entered an agreement to alternate its years on the F1 calendar until 2031, meaning it will not host races in 2028 or 2030.
Another iconic circuit in Imola was axed from the 2026 calendar in favour of a second Grand Prix in Spain, with Barcelona hosting an early season race before Madrid hosts an F1 race for the first time in 45 years.
New tracks earmarked to fill the spot include an F1 return to Africa at South Africa’s Kyalami circuit, while F1 have been in talks to add another street race on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand.
The Dutch GP’s exit could remarkably coincide with Verstappen’s own exit from the sport, after he was tipped to quit F1 if he manages to win a fifth drivers title.
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