Verstappen camp reacts to loss of Dutch GP at Zandvoort

Max Verstappen's camp has reacted to the disappearance of the Dutch Grand Prix from the F1 calendar from 2027.

It was announced on Wednesday 4th December that Zandvoort had agreed to a new one-year extension to its current deal, but that from 2027, the race would fall off the calendar.

Verstappen's popularity was instrumental in bringing about the revival of the race, which was least held in 1985 and was set for a return in 2020, before a COVID-19 forced delay of one year.

The race has been linked with a possible bi-annual rotation with the Belgian Grand Prix, but it is set to fall away after two more races.

Reflecting on the news, Verstappen's manager Raymond Vermeulen highlighted the position of the race, which does not receive government funding.

"We are proud that Formula 1 has found its way to Zandvoort partly because of Max," Vermeulen told Formula 1 magazine. 

"We are already looking back on four fantastic editions and have two more to go.

"It is well known that Zandvoort has a different financial model than many other races on the F1 calendar. 

"They have to fend for themselves and they entered into this project without government support."

"In many other countries, people believe that F1 races are good for the economy, which is why they get government support.

"The Netherlands government also benefited from the races in Zandvoort, but for now we are mainly looking forward to two more beautiful races in the Netherlands."