Verstappen Open to New Zandvoort Event as Final Dutch GP Approaches

Max Verstappen has made it clear that this year's Dutch Grand Prix is not a farewell for him. Even though the race at Zandvoort will be the last for the foreseeable future on the Formula 1 calendar, he sees opportunities for other events to take place there down the line.

The Dutch GP returned to the F1 calendar in 2021, riding the wave of Max Verstappen's surging popularity. However, the decision not to renew the contract with F1 means this year's edition, set to take place in less than two weeks, will be the last for some time.

Despite that, Verstappen does not view the occasion as an ending. "I'm taking a down-to-earth view of it, though," he told Formule 1 Magazine. "It is indeed the last Formula 1 race, but the circuit will still be there, and other series will continue to come there. Test days can still be organised there, so it doesn't feel like a farewell to me."

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The Red Bull driver even hinted at the possibility of hosting a demo event, similar to what has been done in the past. "Of course, the massive orange celebration might come to an end, but we might be able to bring some of that back with a demo day, like in the past," he added.

Zandvoort has stated that it chose not to extend its contract with F1 to shield itself from long-term financial risks. Verstappen understands that reasoning. "It's great that the Dutch GP took place and especially how it went, but I also understand the reasoning behind the decision not to continue with it," he said. "It's important for them to know when enough is enough, to choose the right moment. We've had some really great years; it's fine the way it is."

With the Dutch GP leaving the calendar, Verstappen and his fans may have to wait longer to experience that home atmosphere in F1. But with this statement, it seems the racing spirit in the Netherlands is far from fading away.