Max Verstappen opens door for new Zandvoort event as final Dutch GP looms

Max Verstappen has stated he does not see the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix as a “farewell” event, insisting there may be other events scheduled in the future at Zandvoort.

The Dutch GP returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 amid Max Verstappen's boom in popularity.

However, this year's edition, which will take place in less than two weeks, is set to be the final one for some time as its contract was not renewed with F1.

The event saw major support for the local favourite Verstappen since its return, but with its absence from the calendar coming, Verstappen is not seeing the upcoming round as a finale. 

“I’m taking a down-to-earth view of it, though,” Verstappen 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.

“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.” 

Zandvoort outlined that it chose not to extend its contract with F1 to protect itself from any financial long-term risks in doing so.

It's a decision that Verstappen understands.

“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.”