F1 track reveals plans after calendar exit

Next weekend represents the penultimate Dutch Grand Prix, with Zandvoort to fall off the F1 calendar after 2026. 

Despite still having two F1 races to host, the Dutch venue is already preparing for life after the pinnacle of motorsport. 

Zandvoort being removed from the calendar represents a pivotal change in F1, with it marking a classic circuit leaving the series.

For the circuit, it will be a memorable two editions of the Dutch GP, although next weekend's event still feels normal for Zandvoort general director Robert van Overdijk.

Asked if next weekend's event feels special, van Overdijk told RacingNews365: "I don't think so yet. If you ask me this next year, I'll say absolutely yes. 

"The final edition will, I think, maybe evoke the same emotions in a different way as the very first edition. Of course, we all know that this event is so big in the Netherlands."

He continued: "But if we soon stop after 2026, Formula 1 will shift its focus back to other continents. Everyone senses that next year will be a very special one. After that it won't come back to the Netherlands for years. And maybe never again."

F1 disappointment

Zandvoort announced in 2024 that 2026 would mark its last season hosting F1, with the track set to host a Sprint weekend next year as a farewell memento. 

As revealed by van Overdijk, FOM were disappointed when informed of Zandvoort's decision, but a general understanding on why the choice had been made.

"Initially - and this also made us proud - disappointment that we made this decision," revealed van Overdijk. "But from their side there was also understanding why we took this decision. 

"They know better than anyone else, of course, that we, along with Silverstone, are the only Grand Prix that has to do without a single euro of subsidy."

According to van Overdijk, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is sad to see Zandvoort depart, having praised the venue for how it has hosted recent races.

"They find it unfortunate, because of course Stefano Domenicali in particular has been shouting in recent years that we have set a new benchmark in the world of Formula 1," said Zandvoort's general director. We are also proud of that.

He added: "And on the other hand, he knows that we have to make do with three small parties: Circuit Zandvoort, TIG Sports and SportVibes. We are simply on the hook for this mega-event at our own expense and risk. 

"Those risks stop sometime, so there is also a lot of understanding from them. We still work great together and we both know that we still have to turn the last two editions into very fantastic ones."

Despite F1's disappointment at Zandvoort's decision to stop hosting the championship after next year, the track's owners do not regret the call.

"No, that thought process and those discussions about whether or not to continue, we have of course completed that trajectory," said van Overdijk. 

"That didn't go without a fight, so it was just a clear choice. And from the moment you've made that choice, you're just looking forward."

Zandvoort's future

Looking ahead is something Zandvoort is already doing beyond 2026. Talks are already underway to bring another racing class to the Netherlands. 

"Ultimately, we only have four UBO (no sound limit) weekends in the year," explained van Overdijk. "One of those will be released in 2027. 

"Of course I've been talking to different parties who are interested in that for quite some time. What's important to us as a circuit is that something comes in return. It can never be as big as Formula 1, but you shouldn't be looking for that either."

Formula E recently confirmed to RacingNews365 that it has held conversations with Zandvoort over a potential race from 2027, when the Gen4 era is introduced. 

However, when it comes to personal preference, Van Overdijk has an eye on the United States.

"It has to provide spectacle," he insisted. "I personally - but that's my personal opinion - do like to look across the pond to America with a slanted eye. 

"And whether that's IndyCar or NASCAR, I'll leave that for a while. I think both are spectacular and you can create a very cool show around them. But again, that's my personal preference."