mobile app bar

Max Verstappen Faces Potential Loss of Favorite Circuit on F1 Calendar

Somin Bhattacharjee
Published

Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing during Formula One Brazil Grand Prix

Max Verstappen has won in just about every circuit on the calendar, but some stand out. A particularly special venue for him is Zandvoort, which has been one of his happy hunting grounds since its return in 2021. Now, it faces the danger of losing its place.

The Dutchman won three times in front of his home fans — 2021, 2022 and 2023. Earlier this year, he lost in the Netherlands for the first time, losing out to McLaren’s Lando Norris, who won with a gap of more than 20 seconds.

Unfortunately, Verstappen may not be able to avenge that. Robert van Overdijk, the General Manager of the Dutch GP, suggested that the cost of hosting the race every year could become too high, which may lead to its removal from the schedule in the coming years.

The organizers reportedly pay F1 around $50 million a year. Zandvoort’s contract with F1 expires in 2025, along with Spa-Francorchamps, Imola, Monza, and Monaco — all iconic circuits.

Losing even one of them would be a tragedy if the sport’s history is taken into account, and among them, Zandvoort would arguably be the least prioritized. There is one solution, however, to accommodate all into the calendar.

Can Verstappen’s home turf be saved?

Most of the circuits at risk of being replaced are struggling due to the immense financial resources required to host F1 races. As of 2024, F1 is more popular than ever, generating significant revenues.

F1, in return, requires the hosts to cough up similarly big amounts. But for some circuits, like Zandvoort, it becomes difficult. So an ideal solution could be rotation.

For instance, Spa-Francorchamps is also struggling to find a suitable deal with F1 to be a part of the calendar. So, Zandvoort could swap with the Belgian circuit once every two years, so that both get to be part of the calendar alternatively.

It’s not the most ideal option, but still better than not having these iconic venues at all. This solution had been discussed previously, and although nothing came of it, the clash between the demand for new circuits and the legacy of old ones could soon prompt F1 to make a decision.

Post Edited By:Vidit Dhawan

About the author

Somin Bhattacharjee

Somin Bhattacharjee

x-iconinstagram-iconlinkedin-icon

Basketball Editor Somin Bhattacharjee first discovered the game during the 2014 FIBA World Cup. Not long after, he turned to the NBA and found himself drawn to the Golden State Warriors — right at the start of Stephen Curry’s rise. Over time, the admiration turned into full-blown support for the team, one that continues even as the Curry era approaches its twilight. A true hoophead, Somin also follows EuroLeague basketball closely and enjoys exploring the game beyond the NBA. Though holding a bachelor's degree in marketing, Somin discovered his true calling in writing. Since 2021, he has penned over 3,000 articles for TheSportsRush, covering everything from breaking news to sharp opinion pieces and detailed exclusives. He thrives on writing about in-game moments and the reactions that make basketball a uniquely emotional sport. Beyond basketball, Somin plays different sports including soccer and remains a passionate fan of Spanish football giants Real Madrid

Share this article