– When Formula 1 comes to Zandvoort next week, it will be the last time for now. Because the Dutch track has decided not to renew the expiring contract with Formula 1, as they can no longer and do not want to bear the financial strain.
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It is especially a shame for one driver: Max Verstappen. The Dutchman is, of course, always hugely cheered on by the home fans and wants to soak up his last appearance in Zandvoort in a very special way.
“I just want to enjoy it together with the fans, and it is of course incredibly impressive what they have managed to do 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 held the first Grand Prix, in my opinion, it was also a fantastic example for many other races in terms of organization and entertainment,” he says and is already looking forward to seeing all the fans dressed in orange. “It is my home Grand Prix, so I will of course really enjoy it.”
Norris: Great fans, great atmosphere
But it is also very unfortunate for other drivers that the track in the dunes will no longer be part of the calendar from 2027: “Yes, as Max already says: It is really a shame because it is a great race,” says world champion Lando Norris.
Photo gallery: Historic Formula 1 moments in Zandvoort
“The stands are full of McLaren fans and it is just a crazily brilliant track. It has been that way since I raced there in Formula 3. It was one of the most exciting, extraordinary layouts on the calendar, and in Formula 1 the course is really wild. So it’s a shame.”
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“And as I said: They set high standards for what a Formula 1 race weekend should be. I mean, the Dutch fans are just crazy – and in a positive way. They create an extremely lively atmosphere, want to have an entertaining weekend, and that creates a fantastic atmosphere around the race itself,” praises the Brit.
Verstappen: I will continue to have fun here
He hopes that Formula 1 will return at some point: “I really enjoy the race. I know most people are there because of Max, but there are always many fans there for me who support me. That really makes it fun.”
“There is a great atmosphere – especially when you go through some corners and see all the fans, the smoke, and all that; you always have a smile on your face. Really a shame, but yes, that’s how it goes …”
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Verstappen himself sees the situation pragmatically: Although Formula 1 will no longer race in Zandvoort in the future, many other racing series will. “And if you want to do a track day: The track is not going away,” he says.
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“So I will continue to have fun driving there – just not in a Formula 1 car. But that’s totally fine.”
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