Dutch GP organizer admits it was the popular Zandvoort event's decision to withdraw from Formula 1 after 2026… and that Max Verstappen's hesitation to continue in F1 for a long time played a role .
Echoing the sentiments of F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali in the official statement, circuit boss Robert van Overdijk admitted there was “several options on the table”.
“We could have rotated with other circuits, and there were also possibilities to continue every year. We made a lot of considerations, and this is the result. In the end, it is our choice. “
“Those in Formula 1 may be surprised, but they certainly respect and understand us. They know how we have to work.”
Indeed, as the Dutch GP is not financially supported by local or federal governments, the private organizer takes the entire financial risk for each race.
And if Max Verstappen decides to retire after 2026, the stands may no longer be easy to fill.
“Three days in a row with sold-out tickets is essential for us to be profitable, including Friday,” a confirmation of Overdijk. “It’s a fine line.”
“A one-off drop is not so serious, but we structurally cannot afford to attract fewer visitors. Max now has four world titles and he has also won three times at Zandvoort. It is therefore appropriate for us to stop at summit.”
“We're not going to wait until interest wanes and then stop. We're not going to make ourselves completely dependent on what Max is going to do.”
“It could also go the other way, of course. Maybe he will drive for another team in 2026. Well, then it will be a very special final edition.”
He said he wasn't sure what F1's next step would be, but he could imagine a state-funded race like those in Qatar or Saudi Arabia would fill the void.
“Of course we can see this happening. The world of Formula 1 has changed.”
Van Overdijk also denied that publicly admitting that 2026 is definitely the date of the last race is not a ploy to attract government support at the eleventh hour.
“No, we are not looking for crowdfunding or any other suggestions that might come up now. We are definitely stopping.”
Reacting to the news that 2026 will be the Red Bull driver's last home Grand Prix for now, Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen commented: “We are proud that Formula 1 has found its way to Zandvoort, partly thanks to Max.”
“It is well known that Zandvoort has a different financial model to many other races on the calendar. They have to make ends meet and they embarked on this adventure without government help.”
“In many other countries, Formula 1 racing is believed to be good for the economy, hence the government support they receive there. But we are now looking forward to two more big races in the Netherlands- Down.”
Assen will not save the Dutch GP after 2026
Assen, another Dutch circuit, is not going to intervene to save the Dutch GP.
According to rumors, the circuit was considering launching a bid to join the F1 calendar a few months ago.
"We don't think about it at all," said a spokesperson for the Assen circuit.
“This is also fresh news for us, but at the moment it does not play any role in our strategic considerations. Organizing a Grand Prix is not an easy task.”
“There is a lot of money at stake and a considerable commercial risk is being taken. For motorsport in the Netherlands, we find it very unfortunate that the championship is stopping at Zandvoort after six years. But the organization has taken a very conscious decision, based on experience.”
“We also have respect for that. We can be proud of what was accomplished and how it all turned out.”
