Final Formula 1 Grand Prix at Zandvoort: Max Verstappen with no sense of regret

For many Dutch Formula 1 fans, it was devastating news: when it emerged that the Zandvoort circuit operators had not renewed the contract to host the Grand Prix, many supporters of Red Bull Racing star Max Verstappen expressed their disappointment on social media.

After all, the four-time world champion’s home race had enjoyed great popularity. The Grand Prix, which was added to the World Championship calendar in 2021 to capitalise on the Verstappen boom, is all about the speedy Dutchman – though he himself feels no sense of sadness at having to say goodbye.

Max Verstappen reassures fans: visits to Zandvoort are still possible

Speaking to colleagues at *Formule 1 Magazine*, the 71-time Grand Prix winner explained: “I’m taking a very level-headed view of this. It may be the last Formula 1 race at Zandvoort, but the circuit will remain, and other series will continue to hold races there. Test days can also still be organised, so it doesn’t feel like a farewell to me.”

“Of course, the big orange party will probably come to an end, but perhaps we can revive it with a demonstration day, just as we’ve done in the past,” says the driver currently sixth in the World Championship.

The reason for the provisional end of the Formula 1 World Championship race at Zandvoort is simple: the circuit operators wanted to avoid any long-term financial risks. Verstappen understands this. “It’s brilliant that the Dutch Grand Prix took place and, above all, that it always went so well. But I understand the reasons behind the decision not to continue. It’s important for those in charge to know when enough is enough and to find the right moment to step away. We’ve had a few really great years and it’s fine the way it is.”

Topic of the week

World Champion Kimi Antonelli: record-breaker, heart-breaker, the Tifosi’s dream

With his third-place finish at the Mexican Grand Prix, Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest of the 36 Formula 1 world champions to date. The 20-year-old Italian is on a record-breaking run. The Tifosi are dreaming of Antonelli in a Ferrari.

Mathias Brunner

Read More