Max Verstappen isn’t saying goodbye to Zandvoort just yet. Even though the Dutch Grand Prix is leaving the F1 calendar after this season, the four-time world champion has made a promise that will thrill his loyal fans.
The 28-year-old driver has been racing in front of an incredible home crowd since the event returned in 2021, winning the first three editions in a row. Now, with McLaren taking the last two wins and Red Bull struggling for pace, the odds aren’t in his favor for a victorious send-off. Bookmakers list him as only the sixth favorite for Sunday’s race.
But Verstappen isn’t focused on the numbers. In a heartfelt moment ahead of the post-summer break return, he made it clear the track itself means too much to walk away from.
“Of course, we’ve known this now for a while. It’s my home Grand Prix, so for sure I’m going to enjoy it a lot,” he said. “I hope, driving-wise!
Hopefully a bit more than I did in Hungary, at least.”
He added that while F1 might be leaving, the legendary banked Hugenholtzbocht corner isn’t going anywhere. “The track is not going to disappear. So, for me, I’ll still have my fun driving around there, just not in Formula 1, but that’s okay.”
The Dutch star also praised the organizers for bringing the race back and setting a new standard for fan experience. “It’s a shame, but on the other hand, the track’s still there and I’m sure I will do more laps around there. So, it is what it is.”
This year could be his last chance to feel that electric support in an F1 car at Zandvoort. Will he find a way to turn the tables and deliver one final home win that no one expects?
