Surprise F1 announcement fuels Max Verstappen retirement rumours
A surprise announcement has taken the F1 world by surprise and fuelled speculation about Max Verstappen’s future in the sport.
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The home Grand Prix of Formula One’s Dutch World Champion Max Verstappen will come to an end in 2026, organisers said on Wednesday.
“We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026,” GP director Robert van Overdijk said in a statement.
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The Dutch Grand Prix has been held since 2021 in the windswept seaside resort of Zandvoort on the North Sea coast.
Hundreds of thousands of orange-clad Dutch F1 fans cram into the small town to cheer on their hero Verstappen who, until this year, won every race on his home track.
This year’s edition saw a minor speed bump on his drive towards the World Championship, as he endured a miserable weekend in changeable weather, losing out to McLaren’s Lando Norris.
Van Overdijk told national broadcaster NOS said there were “various options on the table” to continue holding the Dutch GP, as Formula One looks to expand into new markets.
“We could have rotated with other circuits, there was also the possibility to continue annually,” said Van Overdijk.
But in the end, the decision was taken to end the race after the 2026 edition, he said.
“We’re going out with a bang. Of course it also makes us a bit sad, but more than anything else, we’re proud.”
He acknowledged the role that Verstappen — “in my mind the greatest Dutch sporting star ever” — had played in the success of the Grand Prix.
“In 2026, we will close an iconic chapter in Dutch sporting history. Max Verstappen has of course been a big driving force in that,” he said.
“Above all, let’s enjoy the two race weekends we have left.
“Max now has four world titles. He has won Zandvoort three times. Of course, you can wait for a moment when the enthusiasm wanes, but that doesn’t suit us.”
He said extending the contract until the end of 2028, in line with Verstappen’s Red Bull contract, wasn’t an appealing option because “then we would start making ourselves completely dependent on what Max is going to do”.
Van Overdijk added: “Things could also turn out differently. Maybe Verstappen will be driving with a different team in 2026. Then it will be a special final edition altogether.”
The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix will take place from August 29-31.
“I am incredibly grateful for the work that the team at the Dutch Grand Prix have done in recent years,” said Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
The Dutch GP is reportedly coming off the F1 calendar after 2026. Let me tell you, there's no circuit on the calendar that has the atmosphere that Zandvoort brings.
— Daniel Valente ðŸŽï¸ (@F1GuyDan) December 4, 2024
Was an incredible thing to witness an entire country energized by their home hero Max Verstappen. It'll be missed. https://t.co/QJgo6Jzd5A
A South African Grand Prix appears a possible replacement, with a return to the Kyalami circuit on the cards.
The news comes after F1 bosses explained several European races such as the Emilia Romagna and Belgian grands prix will become rotational events on the calendar as their contracts expire in the coming two years.
Iconic races at Monaco and Monza will remain on the calendar after signing long-term extensions, but F1 is facing a schedule crunch as the demand for a spot on the 24-race schedule only increases.
Verstappen hints at early retirement
Max Verstappen is contracted with Red Bull until the end of the 2028 season, when he will be 31 years old.
After clinching his fourth world championship in Las Vegas last month, the Dutchman addressed his future in the sport and hinted at why he’s considering walking away from the sport.
“There is so many more things that I want to do in my life,” Verstappen said.
“Also just having a bit of fun and catching up with my family. Nowadays my dad or mum will call and I’m like ‘I’m busy I’ll call them back later’.
“But I also know there will be a day when they are not calling me anymore, these kind of moments make me realise it is not all about racing and I want to spend time with them.
”Because from when I was four years old, my family’s lives have been dedicated to me and success and trying to get to Formula 1 and at one point that’s enough and then you have to give back and spend more time with them
“At the end of the day that’s way more important than all the success here. It’s great and I love it, I love to be competitive, I love to win championships and races but at one point family comes first and you really have to savour those moments.
“I’d like to win another 10 championships, but I know I’m not going to be in Formula One in 10 years,” Verstappen said.
Aston Martin veteran Fernando Alonso is 43 and Lewis Hamilton will turn 40 in his first season with Ferrari next year.
Originally published as Surprise F1 announcement fuels Max Verstappen retirement rumours
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