Massive blow to Max Verstappen as FIA Ditches his Favourite Track in F1 from 2026

Formula 1 organisers have made a massive move to ditch Max Verstappen’s favourite track in the F1 Calendar from the 2026 season. Yes, we are talking about the Dutch Grand Prix which is going to be axed from the F1 calendar starting from the 2026 season. The 4-time world champion will miss a lot of fans and supporters as he is the fan favourite driver when racing in the Netherlands. The orange country will also be missed by the F1 family as the Zandvoort circuit is onbe of the favourite circuits known for its celebration.

Also Read: F1 women driver face backlash after 'Put your money on mouth' comment about Lewis Hamilton

Dutch Grand Prix out of F1

Yeah, we made it! It's race week at Zandvoort 🇳🇱
Another home race of Max Verstappen 🥳 pic.twitter.com/l7YS8gB0Iy

— Marc🏎 (@433_marc) August 19, 2024

The reason for ditching is the overstuffed F1 calendar. Many countries across many continents want an F1 slot for their country. Already 24 races are being held each year. The Formula 1 organisers have to balance the race calendar. Most of the Formula 1 races are happening in the European continent with some countries already having two races like Italy with Monza and Imola. We already have two countries from the Dutch mainland hosting F1 races (Belgium and the Netherlands).

2021: 🏆
2022: 🏆

Double #DutchGP victories for Max Verstappen in Zandvoort 👊#F1@Max33Verstappenpic.twitter.com/bthM9oxoSt

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 23, 2023

The schedule for the 2025 calendar is already fixed. But from the 2026 Formula 1 season, we will not see the Zandvoort circuit, Netherlands. This is a big blow to Verstappen and his fans. Red Bull and Verstappen are the most celebrated in the Dutch country with some loudest cheers and praises. Apart from this year, Max Verstappen won three times in the last four years at the Netherlands circuit. From 2026 we will not see the orange army supporting Verstappen. The first race in Zandvoort was held in 1950 until 1985.

ALSO WATCH: 'No Charles? It’s ok!'- Carlos Sainz enjoys karting in Abu Dhabi with girlfriend

It returned to Formula 1 in 2021 as the Covid 19 delayed its return by one year. But now due to a tight schedule, it will be removed from the F1 calendar. The Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium is also contracted only until the 2025 season. Formula 1 slot is in huge demand in many countries like the African GP in South Africa, and the South Korean GP. F1 plans to reduce the European calendar and extend the slots to the rest of the world. They also proposed a Rotational basis to manage the calendar more efficiently. So, there is a possibility of seeing the Zandvoort circuit if the rotational plan is executed.

ALSO WATCH: Formula 1 drivers engage in Sticker war at last year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix