Max Verstappen’s Home Race Loses Permanent Spot on F1 Calendar in a Surprise Double Blow
Dutch fans of Max Verstappen might be in for a heartbreak. The 3-time World Champion might have garnered international fame in the last few years because of his mastery behind the wheels, but he holds a unique place in the hearts of all Dutchmen. So, when they find the 26-year-old soaring to victory at his home race at the Zandvoort, it is a massive spectacle. But that might not happen after next year’s Dutch Grand Prix.
As of now, the 2024 Dutch GP is almost a month away. But the organizers of the race are more afraid for its far-off future. Formula One Management has an existing contract with Verstappen’s home race that is going to end next year. But FOM might not renew the Dutch GP‘s deal for 2026, which came as a massive blow to all F1 fans from the Netherlands.
Director of the Dutch GP, Robert van Overdijk said, “At the moment, the risks are too great, but of course, we are doing everything we can to see if we can also organize a race in 2025.” However, another blow awaited the Dutch viewers of Formula 1. After 3 days following van Overdijk’s comments, Formule1 revealed the FOM’s announcement, noting that the Dutch GP organizers have failed to secure a contract to hold their race every season.
via Reuters
But wait, that is not all. While the Dutch GP will not be an annual event after 2025, it will still appear on the F1 calendar in alternate seasons. This is because the FOM and the Dutch race authorities have decided this race will rotate with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. According to some reports, the rotation will start off with the Belgian GP in 2026. So, Max Verstappen will get to race in his home country again in 2027.
Even though Verstappen fans were not expecting this sad news about the Red Bull talent’s home race, he might have been a reason behind FOM’s decision. So, what did the Dutchman say to cause the stakeholders to remove his home GP’s permanent place in the F1 calendar?
Max Verstappen might have caused FOM to revoke the Dutch GP’s contract
The Formula One Management group has decided to alternate between the Belgian GP and the Dutch GP on the F1 calendar. Perhaps, Max Verstappen’s opinions on the race schedule being too long and “not sustainable” led to this consequence. When the FIA announced the 24-race schedule for the 2024 season of Formula 1, Verstappen said, “From my side, I’ve said it before — this is not sustainable.” The Dutchman then highlighted how the drivers might retire earlier in their careers because too many races in a year require too much effort.
via Reuters
Speaking for those racers who might feel burnout, Max Verstappen said, “If people in the sport start shortening their careers because it’s too much, I think that’s a shame.” Well, the authorities at the FOM and FIA headquarters seem to have listened to the Red Bull prodigy by refusing to renew the permanent position of his home race.
Now that Max Verstappen knows the Dutch GP will not appear on the F1 calendar every season, he might try to focus his efforts on the upcoming edition of this race. Among the last 4 races before the summer break started, he could not win a single one. So, do you believe Verstappen will come back to Zandvoort in a new form? Let us know by commenting below.
