Huge Dutch Grand Prix announcement already made before F1's return

When the cars hit the Zandvoort Circuit asphalt this weekend for what is set to be a rain-affected Dutch Grand Prix, it will be a special occasion. The iconic track, which is the home race for four-time world champion Max Verstappen, is already confirmed to be leaving the calendar after the 2026 season.

Zandvoort was reintroduced to Formula One in 2021 after a 36-year hiatus, giving Verstappen a home event after years of challenging for Grand Prix victories. It was initially meant to return in 2020, but the COVID-19 pandemic forced a one-year delay. When racing returned to the redeveloped track, it did so amidst one of the most tense World Championship battles in the sport's history. Verstappen came out on top, beating title rival Lewis Hamilton and lapping all but three drivers in the process.

Verstappen won again in 2022, helping him en route to his second Drivers' Championship crown, and he completed his hat-trick of home race triumphs in 2023, albeit in far more treacherous conditions. With wet-weather wreaking havoc on the field, over 186 overtakes were recorded that afternoon on the Dutch coast.

Lando Norris put pay to Verstappen's Dutch GP streak in 2024, cruising to victory in a statement race for McLaren and marking the passing of the torch from Red Bull to McLaren in terms of constructor dominance. Rain promises to invite more chaos this weekend for the penultimate running of the event.

In December, the event's promoter confirmed that, while a one-year contract extension had been agreed to keep the race on the schedule for the new technical regulations in 2026, there were no plans to extend the Grand Prix's run beyond then.

"What we have achieved so far is undoubtedly a huge success," event director Robert van Overdijk said. "The appreciation from our visitors, drivers, and teams has been unprecedented, and we are incredibly proud of that.

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"While today's announcement signals the end of a monumental era, we are confident there is plenty more for fans to look forward to at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025 and 2026, including the sprint in 2026.

"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 One community. I want to thank Stefano Domenicali and all the team at Formula One for the hard work that has seen multiple contract extensions realised and the Dutch Grand Prix be such a success."