Verstappen made the case in an interview with Dutch magazine Formule 1, carried in English coverage days before the 21-23 August event that will end Formula 1’s stay in Zandvoort.
“That’s not in my hands,” the four-time world champion told the magazine when asked what could keep motorsport popular in the Netherlands once F1 leaves. His view is that responsibility now sits with governments and the next generation of drivers.
“The popularity mainly depends on the talent that is coming and hopefully someone will make it to Formula 1.”
Verstappen then reached across borders for his comparisons.
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“In Spain, for example, we see how it can be done, how much support there is for motorcycle drivers and circuits.”
“Coincidence always plays a role. Also look at Germany in the past. And hopefully the government will pick up the gauntlet too.”
A sold-out goodbye
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix is the final race under Zandvoort’s current agreement, the promoter having chosen not to renew. It is also the first sprint weekend the circuit has ever staged, with the main race starting at 3pm local time on Sunday 23 August. Both race days sold out in April.
Circuit director Robert van Overdijk called the six-year run “a success story” when the sell-out was confirmed, describing Zandvoort as a destination “recognized and appreciated worldwide” once again.
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The financial picture behind that success was less kind. Unlike most European venues, Zandvoort has been paying its hosting fees without a euro of state backing, and the promoter concluded it could not carry the burden past 2026.
Ecclestone: ‘the real reason is Max’
Verstappen’s weight in that story is not in doubt. Bernie Ecclestone, F1’s former boss, told AutoRacing1 this month that Zandvoort would never have come back without him.
“The real reason is Max. Without him, it would never have happened,” Ecclestone said.
“He makes the race special because he himself is something special. He has brought glamour to this track.”
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The Dutch Grand Prix returned to the calendar in 2021 after 36 years away, on the wave of Verstappen’s first title challenge.
The vacuum after August
His caveat was that a home race is not something one driver can save on his own, and his message to Dutch policymakers was framed as a longer game rather than a bid to rescue this deal.
“Support is important at certain times. At least everyone has been able to see what motorsport can do.”
“If a country really wants to, you can create the opportunities for talents to develop and mature.”
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Practice at Zandvoort starts on Friday 21 August at 12:30pm local time, with sprint qualifying at 4:30pm.
