Proud Verstappen sad to see Dutch Grand Prix end after 2026

Red Bull's quadruple F1 world champion has won all but one of his home races at Zandvoort since the circuit in the coastal dunes returned in 2021 and became a party venue for Verstappen's Orange Army of fans.

Verstappen told reporters ahead of the 2024 F1 season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: "It's of course something that I'm sad about that it's not going to continue. But on the other hand, also, I'm very proud of what they have done.

"When I started in Formula 1, I would have never imagined that we would go back to Zandvoort. And the races that we've had there, the event that they put on, I have a lot of respect for that. And I'm proud that I played a part in that as well. And seeing all the fans there was and is, of course, amazing."

Formula 1 announced a one-year extension on Wednesday for 2026 when the race will be held in the sprint format for the first time.

"I'm really looking forward to the final two years. They say they're going to go out with a bang. So I'm also very excited to see that," said Verstappen.