Max Verstappen thinks it’s a shame that Zandvoort is leaving Formula 1, but that doesn’t mean he won’t race there anymore: “The track isn’t going anywhere!”
When Formula 1 comes to Zandvoort next week, it will be the last time for the foreseeable future. That’s because the Dutch circuit has decided not to renew its expiring contract with Formula 1, as it can no longer—and no longer wishes to—shoulder the financial burden.
This is particularly unfortunate for one driver: Max Verstappen. The Dutchman naturally always receives tremendous support from his home fans and wants to fully savor his final appearance at Zandvoort.
“I just want to enjoy it together with the fans, and it’s obviously incredibly impressive what they’ve managed to pull off to bring the race back,” says the Red Bull driver, praising the efforts made by Zandvoort to get back on the calendar in 2021 in the first place.
“When they hosted the first Grand Prix, I think it also set a fantastic example for many other races in terms of organization and entertainment,” he says, already looking forward to seeing all the fans dressed in orange. “It’s my home Grand Prix, so of course I’m going to enjoy it very much.”
Norris: Great Fans, Great Atmosphere
But it’s also very unfortunate for other drivers that the track in the dunes will no longer be part of the calendar starting in 2027: “Yes, as Max says: It’s really a shame because it’s a great race,” says World Champion Lando Norris.
“The stands are packed with McLaren fans, and it’s just a crazy, awesome track. It’s been that way ever since I raced there in Formula 3. It was one of the most exciting, extraordinary layouts on the calendar, and in Formula 1, the circuit is really wild. So it’s a shame.”
“And as I said: They’ve set a high standard for what a Formula 1 race weekend should be. I mean, the Dutch fans are just crazy—in a good way. They create an incredible buzz, want to have an entertaining weekend, and that makes for a fantastic atmosphere around the race itself,” the Brit praises.
Verstappen: I’ll continue to have fun here
He hopes that Formula 1 will return someday: “I have a blast at this race. I know most people are there for Max, but there are always a lot of fans there for me, too, who support me. That really lifts my spirits.”
“There’s a great vibe—especially when you’re going through some of the corners and see all the fans, the smoke, and everything; it always puts a smile on your face. It’s a real shame, but yeah, that’s just how it goes…”
Verstappen himself, however, takes a pragmatic view of the situation: Although Formula 1 won’t be racing at Zandvoort in the future, many other racing series will. “And if you ever want to do a track day: The track isn’t going anywhere,” he says.
“So I’ll still have fun driving there—just not in a Formula 1 car. But that’s totally fine.”