13-06-2025
Popular F1 race to be scrapped from calendar after forcing team to change name to take part
A FAN-FAVOURITE Formula One track will be scrapped from the calendar after 2026.
The Dutch Grand Prix, the home race of reigning F1 world champion
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The Dutch Grand Prix will be leaving the F1 Calendar after 2026
Credit: Splash
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The race returned to F1 in 2021 as part of a rise in interest from the nation due to Max Verstappen
Credit: EPA
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Betting laws in the country meant Sauber had to drop the name Stake from its name
Credit: AFP
This year the race weekend in Zandvoort is being held on August 29-31 - the first Grand Prix following the summer shutdown.
However, Robert van Overdijk, the Dutch Grand Prix director, confirmed in December of last year that the circuit would only host races for two more years.
He said: "We are a privately owned and operated business, and we must balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event, against other risks and responsibilities.
"We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026.
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"We wanted to take this step while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents, and the Formula 1 community."
Last year, Sauber - who are becoming Audi from 2026 - was
Zandvoort only returned to F1 in 2021 to capitalise on a boom in interest in the Netherlands following the success of Red Bull star Verstappen - who has won four drivers titles in a row.
For the track's final F1 appearance in 14 months time, it will remain as the first race following the shutdown, with the race itself commencing on August 23.
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The moves comes in a bid to ease race congestion.
But F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also confirmed the final event will also play host to a Sprint Race.
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Domenicali said: "The Dutch Grand Prix has raised the bar for European Grands Prix in terms of event spectacle and entertainment, supported the development of young talent by hosting F2, F3 and our F1 Academy series, and have also pioneered sustainable solutions that have inspired our events around the world as we drive towards being net zero by 2030.
"All parties positively collaborated to find a solution to extend the race, with many options, including alternation or annual events on the table, and we respect the decision from the promoter to finish its amazing run in 2026."
Rumours had suggested Zandvoort could be used in rotation with the
Another iconic circuit in
New tracks earmarked to fill the spot include an F1 return to Africa at
The Dutch GP's exit could remarkably coincide with
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