F1 boss justifies Zandvoort’s calendar exit

Stefano Domenicali has explained Formula 1’s reasoning for removing Zandvoort from the race calendar beyond 2026.

Since its 2021 comeback, the Dutch Grand Prix has sold out every year thanks to Max Verstappen’s home support, the unique and iconic seaside setting and the track’s signature banking, but without government subsidies, organisers struggled to compete with the heavily state-financed proposals now flooding into the sport.

"If you look at the bigger picture, they don't have any financial support from the government," F1 CEO Domenicali told De Telegraaf newspaper.

"For a promoter with only private partners, it's impossible these days to fully invest in the future and say they want to continue this for at least another five years.

"We shouldn't be disappointed, because ten years ago, nobody would have thought Formula 1 would come to the Netherlands. In 2026, I really want to make it something special, because they deserve it here."

There has been speculation that Assen - the traditional home of Dutch motorcycle racing - could attempt to fill the gap with its own big-money offer.

"Never say never," Domenicali smiled. "If they want to talk to us, we will, but I don't want to give them false hope either. "In the short term, there's little room on the Formula 1 calendar. The list of countries willing to host a race is quite long."

Current venues like Barcelona are still battling for survival, with Madrid joining the fray, while nations including Turkey, Portugal and even Rwanda are lobbying for future slots.

"Barcelona would like to remain on the calendar after next year in a rotating role," confirmed the F1 CEO. "We've signed many long-term contracts recently. This gives organisations the opportunity to recoup their investments."

Many in the paddock are unhappy about Zandvoort’s looming exit. Ralf Schumacher told Sky Deutschland it is "a real shame" the Dutch state will not provide funding, even with the king present at Sunday’s race.

"I see a bit of the same problem here as in Germany," said the former F1 driver. "An event like this has an impact worldwide. People travel here, there's incredible revenue in the region, and then there's the advertising that comes with presenting your country so excellently. That should be worth support from the state."

Domenicali, however, stressed the move was not simply imposed by F1. "It was a mutual decision," he insisted. "Let me say again, it's incredible what they've accomplished here in recent years, despite all the limitations, because logistically it's a huge challenge. I will be forever grateful to Zandvoort for the incredible injection of energy they've shown."