Shock as major F1 race exits the Grand Prix calendar
A massive race of the Formula One season has surprisingly been cut from the Grand Prix calendar.
After 23 Grand Prix weekends, just one F1 race remains on the 2024 calendar at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
Fans this season have been treated to more race weekends than any other year, with 24 Grand Prix and six sprint races included in the 2024 calendar.
But now, a new report has revealed that one of the biggest races of the season has been cut from the Grand Prix calendar, and Max Verstappen won't be happy.
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According to a report from The Daily Mail, the Dutch Grand Prix, held in Zandvoort, is set to be axed from the Grand Prix schedule in 2026.
The news will disappoint Dutchman Verstappen, who claimed his fourth consecutive world title in Las Vegas two weeks ago, due to the success he has enjoyed on his home track.
Of the four races at Circuit Zandvoort, the Red Bull driver has won three with rival Lando Norris taking the win this season.
In a statement shared following the official announcement, Formula One CEO Stefano Domenicali praised the event but admitted that a deal to extend its time on the calendar could not be made.
"All parties positively collaborated to find a solution to extend the race, with many options, including alternation or annual events on the table, and we respect the decision from the promoter to finish its amazing run in 2026," he said.
"I want to thank all the team at the Dutch Grand Prix and the Municipality of Zandvoort who have been fantastic partners to Formula 1."
Race director Robert van Overdijk admitted that the risks of hosting the event were no longer worthwhile, adding: "We are a privately owned and operated business, and we must balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event, against other risks and responsibilities.
"We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026."
And the Dutch Grand Prix isn't the only iconic race under threat of being cut from the calendar, as the future of the Belgian Grand Prix, held at Spa-Francorchamps, remains uncertain ahead the expiration of the contract to race there until the end of 2025.
Topics: Max Verstappen, Formula 1
Ben McCrum