Formula One bosses could risk angering Max Verstappen if they press ahead with a radical change to the Grand Prix calendar in 2026, according to reports. The Dutchman has emerged as the new face of the sport in recent years, with his stock rising thanks to his total domination of the Drivers’ Championship standings.
The return of the Dutch Grand Prix in 2021 after a 35-year hiatus was almost entirely down to Verstappen’s surge in popularity, with his adoring fans packing out the stands with a sea of orange whenever he takes to the track. However, there is reportedly a chance that F1 bosses could risk upsetting the 25-year-old by scaling back their involvement in the Netherlands from 2026 onwards.
It will come down to whether or not the Belgian Grand Prix is still on the calendar, with reports suggesting that a contract extension until the end of 2025 could be confirmed shortly. The event’s long-term future remains uncertain, though, given the short-term nature of the proposed deal.
The event could be rotated with the Dutch Grand Prix from 2026 onwards, according to Het Laatste Nieuws, in a move that would reduce its frequency to once every two seasons. It would also see Verstappen denied the opportunity to race in front of a home crowd each year, which could leave him frustrated if the move goes ahead.
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The 25-year-old has already underlined his opposition to the idea of rotating the two events, saying in August: “I think many circuits deserve a place on the calendar, but they [F1] also want to make a lot of money. It’s always a difficult story. I think rotating can work wrong too.”
The proposed move has been rumoured for some time, although it remains to be seen whether F1 bosses will risk locking horns with Verstappen by reducing the frequency of his home race. The Red Bull ace has won every Dutch Grand Prix since it was reintroduced two years ago and would certainly not appreciate having it taken away from him if the changes go ahead in 2026.
A new deal was signed last year to keep F1 at Zandvoort until the end of 2025, with Stefano Domenicali citing the ‘huge demand’ from Dutch fans as a key factor in the decision to extend its stay on the calendar.
“The Dutch Grand Prix has quickly established itself on the calendar as a fan favourite, bringing incredible energy and a great fan experience every year,” he said.
“The sold-out events in the last two years have raised the bar in terms of organisation, entertainment, and sustainability, and we are delighted to extend our relationship with them. There is huge demand to host F1 races so it is testament to what the team have done to cement Zandvoort on the calendar until 2025 and we can’t wait to return next summer.”
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