“We and Silverstone the only races without subsidies”: Zandvoort’s final highlight before farewell
The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will officially say goodbye to Formula 1 after the 2026 season. The costs of hosting the world’s premier motorsport series have become too high, with the championship now prioritising destinations on other continents, particularly outside of Europe, where governments and organisers often provide massive financial backing.
Robert van Overdijk, the managing director of the Zandvoort circuit, has confirmed that the Netherlands will no longer be part of the Formula 1 calendar beyond 2026. In his recent comments, he praised the extraordinary work carried out in the country since the sport’s return and highlighted the pride in achieving success without relying on government subsidies, a rarity in today’s Formula 1 landscape. After 2026, the Dutch circuit will instead focus on other racing categories while Formula 1 continues to pursue wealthier, exclusive markets around the world.
The return of Zandvoort in 2021
Formula 1 made its long-awaited comeback to Zandvoort in 2021, on a completely renovated and spectacular track. The circuit immediately stood out for its unique layout, with banked corners and an atmosphere that felt more like a festival than a sporting event. Dutch fans, known for their incredible passion and loyalty to Max Verstappen, turned each race weekend into a sea of orange and a continuous party atmosphere, rain or shine.
Max Verstappen himself rewarded the home crowd with a dominant run, winning three consecutive Dutch Grands Prix from 2021 to 2023. In 2024, however, the crown passed to Lando Norris, who broke Max Verstappen’s streak and gave McLaren an unforgettable triumph at Zandvoort. That race marked a turning point, showing that the circuit could deliver unpredictable results while maintaining its reputation as one of the most atmospheric venues on the calendar.
The penultimate edition in 2025 and the final celebration in 2026
The 2025 edition of the Dutch Grand Prix is expected to be another thrilling chapter, with McLaren arriving as the clear favourite once again, Ferrari showing strong signs of improvement, and Red Bull facing internal struggles that could make their challenge more difficult. Beyond the sporting narrative, the event carries additional weight as the penultimate running of the Grand Prix before its farewell in 2026.
The final edition in 2026 will include a Sprint Race, ensuring that fans can enjoy one last weekend of full-scale action at the circuit. For Zandvoort, it will be more than just another race: it will be a closing celebration of what many hoped would be a permanent fixture on the calendar, but which ultimately could not keep pace with the financial demands of hosting modern Formula 1.
Zandvoort’s pride: “We are unique, without subsidies”
Speaking in an interview with RacingNews365, Robert van Overdijk expressed both pride and realism regarding the situation. “Initially, and this makes us really proud, there was disappointment from Formula 1 at our decision to leave the championship. But there was also understanding: they recognised our reasons. They know better than anyone that we and Silverstone are the only races without a single euro of subsidies.”
He continued: “Of course, it is a shame for Formula 1. In recent years, Stefano Domenicali asked us to become a new standard within the championship. But he also knows that everything here relies on just three small organisations: the Zandvoort circuit, TIG Sports, and SportVibes. We organise the event at our own expense, carrying enormous risks to make it possible.”
Van Overdijk added that Formula 1 will quickly shift its focus once the Dutch Grand Prix leaves the calendar. “The sport will move towards other continents. Everyone believes that 2026 will be special for us. After that, Formula 1 will say goodbye to the Netherlands, perhaps forever.”
A unique chapter in modern Formula 1
The departure of Zandvoort highlights one of the paradoxes of modern Formula 1. While the sport has enjoyed tremendous growth globally, particularly in the United States, the Middle East, and Asia, it has become increasingly difficult for historic European circuits to survive without heavy government support. Silverstone and Zandvoort remain unique examples of privately funded races, but their struggles show how rare such cases are becoming.
For Dutch fans, the 2026 farewell will be an emotional moment. Zandvoort has offered some of the most memorable atmospheres of the modern era, with the “Orange Army” setting new standards for passion and dedication. Even if Formula 1 does not return to the Netherlands in the near future, the legacy of Zandvoort will endure as a reminder of what fan-driven motorsport events can achieve, even without state subsidies.
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