The iconic orange smoke of Zandvoort is set to billow for one final time in Formula 1. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen is preparing for what is expected to be his final home race for the foreseeable future, as the Dutch Grand Prix drops off the F1 calendar after this weekend.
For Verstappen, the departure of Zandvoort is a significant blow to the sport's cultural landscape. Since its return, the event has become legendary for its electrifying festival atmosphere, driven entirely by the passionate "Orange Army."
A "Shame" for the Sport
Speaking ahead of the race weekend, Verstappen did not hide his disappointment about the event's removal from the schedule, admitting the grid has known about the decision for some time.
"Yeah, of course, we’ve known this now for a while," Verstappen said. "It’s my home grand prix, so for sure I’m going to enjoy it a lot."
While the Red Bull driver expressed regret over losing the Grand Prix, he took a pragmatic view of the track's future. He emphasized that while F1 might be leaving, the historic circuit itself remains a premier destination for motorsport.
"We won’t have a Formula 1 Grand Prix there, but there are a lot of other series that still race there," Verstappen noted. "The track is not going to disappear. For me, I’ll still have my fun driving around there, just not in Formula 1, but that’s okay."
Zandvoort's Lasting F1 Impact
The relationship between F1 and Zandvoort stretches back to the sport's origins, with its first world championship race held in 1952. After a 36-year hiatus, the track made a triumphant return to the calendar in 2021—a comeback fueled almost entirely by the "Verstappen mania" sweeping the Netherlands.
Since its return, Verstappen has dominated his home turf, winning three of the last five races held there. Beyond his on-track success, the Dutchman believes the event redefined how modern promoters engage with fans.
"It’s incredibly impressive what they have done to bring it back," Verstappen added. "At the time when they hosted the first one, it was a great example for a lot of other grands prix as well of how to host and entertain."
What's Next for the Dutch Icon?
As F1 moves toward a more globalized, street-circuit-heavy calendar, classic European venues are finding it increasingly difficult to secure permanent slots.
While Verstappen hopes for a better performance than his recent struggles in Hungary, his primary goal for this weekend is simple: put on an unforgettable final show for the home crowd.
