Max Verstappen has urged the Dutch government to do more to support and protect the future of motorsport in the Netherlands as Formula 1 prepares to leave Zandvoort after the final Dutch Grand Prix later this month. The four-time world champion believes maintaining the country’s enthusiasm for racing will require investment in young talent and motorsport infrastructure rather than relying on his own popularity alone.
Formula 1’s return to Zandvoort in 2021 was closely connected to Max Verstappen’s enormous popularity in his home country. Bernie Ecclestone recently made the same point, arguing that Zandvoort’s F1 comeback probably would not have happened without Max Verstappen.
For Max Verstappen, however, keeping Dutch motorsport strong after Formula 1’s departure will require more than the continued presence of one successful driver.
Max Verstappen says Dutch motorsport needs new talent
Speaking to Dutch magazine Formule 1, Max Verstappen explained that the future popularity of motorsport in the Netherlands cannot depend solely on him.
“It’s not up to me,” the Red Bull driver replied when asked how motorsport could remain popular in the Netherlands.
“The popularity mainly depends on the talents that are coming through and, hopefully, some of them will manage to reach Formula 1. Because that’s what creates the most excitement.”
Max Verstappen also believes circumstances and timing can play an important role in determining whether a country develops a strong motorsport culture.
“Coincidence always plays a role. Just look at Germany in the past. And I hope the government also rises to the challenge.”
Verstappen calls for more government support
The four-time Formula 1 world champion believes institutional support can make an important difference, particularly at crucial stages in the development of young drivers.
“Support is important at certain moments. At least everyone has been able to see what motorsport can do,” the 28-year-old said.
Germany provides a warning, in Max Verstappen’s view, of how difficult it can be to maintain a powerful racing culture over the long term. The country has a major automotive heritage, some of the world’s most important manufacturers and the legacy of Michael Schumacher, yet it currently has no Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Germany provides a warning for the Netherlands
Max Verstappen therefore pointed to Germany as an example the Netherlands should consider as it prepares for life without a Formula 1 race.
“Everything has to be very green, but at the same time that’s the land of the major manufacturers,” Max Verstappen said of Germany.
“It’s a contradiction.”
The Red Bull driver nevertheless noted that Germany continues to host significant motorsport events despite its absence from the Formula 1 calendar.
“Fortunately, they still have beautiful races, like the 24 Hours of the Nürburgring, but events like that are also difficult to organise.”
The concern is that without sufficient institutional backing, the Netherlands could also see its motorsport scene gradually shrink after Formula 1 leaves Zandvoort. Interest surrounding Max Verstappen remains enormous, with even his Red Bull future attracting particular attention ahead of Zandvoort, but the long-term challenge extends beyond one driver or one Grand Prix.
Max Verstappen points to Spain as a motorsport model
For Max Verstappen, Spain offers a more positive example of how public support can help create the conditions required for young racing talent to develop.
“In Spain, for example, we can see how it can be done, how much support there is for motorcycle riders and for circuits,” Max Verstappen explained.
“If a country really wants it, it can create the opportunities for talents to develop and mature.”
His message comes at a significant moment for Dutch motorsport. The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will be the circuit’s final Formula 1 event before it leaves the championship calendar.
For Max Verstappen, the challenge is now to ensure Formula 1’s departure does not lead to declining interest in motorsport across the Netherlands. Instead, the end of the Dutch Grand Prix could become an opportunity to invest more heavily in the next generation of drivers and in the facilities and opportunities they need to progress through the racing ladder.
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