Max Verstappen is preparing for his final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort with the same mentality he brings to every Formula 1 weekend, insisting that even the emotional farewell to his home race gives him no extra motivation. The Dutchman will compete in the sixth Grand Prix since Zandvoort returned to the calendar in 2021 when Formula 1 resumes next weekend, but the occasion will also mark the end of the event’s current chapter in the World Championship.
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix will be Zandvoort’s final Formula 1 race for the foreseeable future after the promoter decided not to continue beyond the end of the existing agreement. Formula 1 has confirmed that both Turkey and Portugal will return to the calendar from 2027, while Barcelona-Catalunya will enter a rotation with Spa-Francorchamps. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Max Verstappen brings remarkable Zandvoort record into final Dutch GP
Across the five Dutch Grands Prix held since the coastal circuit returned to Formula 1, Max Verstappen has built one of the strongest records of his career. He won each of the first three editions from pole position, delivering three commanding home victories in front of the Dutch crowd, before finishing second in both 2024 and 2025.
That gives Max Verstappen an average finishing position of 1.4 at Zandvoort, the second-best figure of his career among circuits where he has raced more than once. Only the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix is better, with Max Verstappen winning four of the five races held there between 2020 and 2025 and retiring from the other in 2020. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
The significance of the final weekend is also reflected in the preparations surrounding the Red Bull driver. Max Verstappen has already unveiled a special helmet for his last Formula 1 race at Zandvoort, adding another personal element to the farewell.
Max Verstappen says final Zandvoort race brings no extra motivation
Despite the emotional importance of his final opportunity to race in front of his home supporters, and despite Zandvoort hosting a Sprint format for the first time, Max Verstappen does not feel any additional motivation to perform.
“I never have any extra motivation because that would be bad,” Max Verstappen told RacingNews365. “Then it means I’m not motivated enough for the other ones to do well, so I always just want to do a good job. I love driving there.” :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
That approach is consistent with Max Verstappen’s usual mentality. Rather than placing extra pressure on himself because of the significance of the occasion, the four-time World Champion wants to treat Zandvoort as another opportunity to maximise his performance.
Verstappen reflects on special bond with Dutch fans
Max Verstappen nevertheless stressed the special relationship he has developed with both the Dutch supporters and the circuit itself since Formula 1 returned to Zandvoort. The combination of extraordinary crowd support and consistently strong results has made the event one of the most distinctive weekends of his career.
“I’ve had a lot of incredible support and results at the same time, so I’m just looking forward to it and enjoying the weekend, but it might disappear off the F1 calendar.” :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
The final Dutch Grand Prix will take place from 21-23 August and will be the first race following Formula 1’s summer break. The full 2026 Dutch Grand Prix schedule and session times outline the Sprint weekend format that will accompany Zandvoort’s farewell. Formula 1’s official calendar also lists the event as round 12 of the season. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
Max Verstappen promises Zandvoort will remain part of his future
Although Formula 1 is leaving Zandvoort after 2026, Max Verstappen pointed out that the circuit itself is not disappearing. For the Dutchman, the end of the Grand Prix does not necessarily mean the end of his connection with the track.
“But the track is still there, right? And if I want to drive there, I can. So yeah, for me, okay, maybe not in a Formula 1 setting, but I mean, I will be there anyway, even after Formula 1.” :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
Before that happens, Max Verstappen has one final Formula 1 weekend to enjoy in front of his home supporters. His record of three victories and two second places since 2021 means Zandvoort has already provided some of the strongest results of his career, and the 2026 event offers one last opportunity to add another chapter before the Dutch Grand Prix leaves the calendar.
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