If there’s one race Max Verstappen looks forward to as much as the Belgian GP, it’s the Dutch GP. It’s his second home race in the country whose flag he races under. Needless to say, the old-school Circuit Zandvoort, located in the dunes of the Netherlands, is one of his favorite tracks to go to. The 2.6-mile circuit, with its 18-degree banked last corner, is one of F1’s oldest and most iconic race tracks, and it returned to the calendar in 2021. 

Considering F1 would be racing there for only the third time since its reintroduction, it would be a shame if it were to be removed from the line-up once more. Though after Formula 2 and Formula 3’s recent actions, that could be a strong possibility. But what did F2 and F3 do, and why is the Dutch GP at risk?

F1 could break Max Verstappen’s heart post-2024

On 4th August, F1’s support series, F2 and F3, released their provisional calendars for 2024. In these, what surprised everyone was the absence of Zandvoort. Along with the Porsche Supercup Series, F3 raced in Zandvoort on the same weekend as F1 in 2022. This year, it’ll be F2 at Zandvoort when the summer break concludes. But last season’s ordeal brought to light a few problems with the circuit. It’s not so much the circuit as the grounds that are of concern, though. 

According to gpblog.com, “At various times during the day, one of the entrances to the circuit had to be temporarily closed as the Formula 3 cars had to drive to the track. This was because their paddock was not in the center area (with F1) but outside it. The whole scene not only caused hassle for the teams and drivers, it also created traffic jams of spectators.”

Considering F1 is working toward reducing its carbon footprint, traffic jams—which increase fuel consumption, thereby increasing carbon emissions—would only add to it, making it harder for F1 to reach its carbon-neutral goal by 2030.

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For 2024, F2 and F3 have scheduled their races in coordination with each other and with F1. While that is a step toward reducing motorsport’s carbon footprint, having two support series instead of just one in Zandvoort would only cause more traffic congestion, making the whole point of reducing emissions moot. Considering the environmental repercussions of the Dutch GP, there’s a high possibility that 2025 could be the last time F1 races in Zandvoort (the last year of its current contract with F1). While Max Verstappen would undoubtedly be disheartened, removing one race would align with his opinion about F1’s calendar.

Max Verstappen isn’t a fan of 24 races in a season

When F1 released the mammoth 24-race 2024 calendar last month, Max Verstappen was one of the first drivers to express his disregard for the growing number of races every season. “It is too many [races] for me, but we just have to deal with it. I think it is a bit more logical the way that it is planned. But more things will have to come together for me to make my mind up over whether I stay longer [than 2028] or not. But I think that these things are definitely not helping for sure,” said the Dutchman, whose Red Bull contract expires in 2028.

While F1 is trying to reduce its carbon footprint, increasing the number of races isn’t helping. Considering how much the Dutch GP adds to the problem, could it be the first race to get the boot? But if F1 isn’t willing to remove the race altogether, it could implement Lando Norris’ suggestion. After agreeing with Verstappen, Norris suggested F1 try rotating venues and limit the calendar to just 20 races.

The Dutch GP could become a primary candidate for the trial of this approach, at least to test out how much its absence helped F1’s cause. Seeing as how the Belgian GP is also his home race, Verstappen wouldn’t be too dishearted by this.

Could 2024 be the last season that F1 and Max Verstappen visit Zandvoort or will they complete their current contract till 2025? Let us know your thoughts.

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