Max Verstappen has confirmed he will continue driving at Zandvoort despite Formula 1 dropping the Dutch Grand Prix from the calendar after the 2026 season.
The four-time world champion has enjoyed the rare privilege of a home race since the Dutch Grand Prix was reinstated in 2021, giving him several years of racing in front of passionate orange-clad fans.
Verstappen won the first three editions of the revived Dutch Grand Prix consecutively, taking victories from 2021 through to 2023 at the popular coastal circuit.
The last two races at Zandvoort have been won by McLarens, however, signalling a shift in fortunes for both Red Bull and Verstappen at a track he has long dominated.
Red Bull’s ongoing lack of pace in 2026 means it looks highly unlikely that Verstappen will send the circuit off in style with a victory during this final Formula 1 visit.
The 28-year-old is currently priced as only the sixth favourite for race victory, sitting just behind George Russell and ahead of Oscar Piastri in the betting markets.
Verstappen acknowledged the bittersweet nature of the occasion, but was keen to focus on the positives of returning to race in front of his home supporters one final time in F1.
Speaking ahead of the post-summer break return to racing, Verstappen said: “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.”
He was equally philosophical about the circuit’s future, adding: “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.”
Verstappen praised the organisers for their work in bringing the race back and for setting a benchmark for other events around the world to follow.
He said: “I just want to enjoy it with the fans. It’s incredibly impressive what they have done to bring it back, and I think, at the time when they hosted the first one, it was a great example for a lot of other Grands Prix as well of how to host and entertain.”
The Dutchman concluded with characteristic pragmatism, stating: “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.”
Despite the loss of Formula 1 from Zandvoort’s schedule, the beloved circuit will continue to host a wide variety of other motorsport series and events throughout the year.
For Verstappen personally, the departure of F1 from his home venue is clearly disappointing, but his commitment to the track itself remains as strong as ever.