Last Dance at Zandvoort: Stunning Pics as F1 Prepares Final Goodbye
Formula 1 Says Goodbye to the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort
What’s Happening This Weekend?
Formula 1 is racing at Zandvoort in the Netherlands for the very last time this weekend. After this race, the Dutch Grand Prix will be removed from the F1 calendar.
Why Is This a Big Deal?
The "Orange Army" Returns
Important Point: Since the race came back in 2021, the stands have been packed with fans wearing orange (the Dutch national color) cheering for Max Verstappen, who drives for Red Bull Racing. The atmosphere has been famous for thick orange smoke flares and incredible energy.
A Long Wait Between Races
- The Dutch Grand Prix first happened in 1952
- It disappeared after 1985 (a 36-year gap!)
- It returned in 2021 to huge excitement
- Now, after just 4 races since returning, it’s ending again
Why Is It Leaving If It’s So Popular?
Even though the races were sold out and fans loved it, the organizers couldn’t make the money work.
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Popularity | Huge crowds, amazing atmosphere |
| Finances | Not profitable for organizers |
| Decision | Organizers chose not to continue hosting |
Important Point: In Formula 1, the circuit (track owners) pays a large fee to host a race. If ticket sales and sponsorships don’t cover that fee + operating costs, they lose money—even with full grandstands.
A Quick History of the Dutch Grand Prix
- 1952 – First Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort
- 1950s–1985 – Regular stop on the calendar (with some breaks)
- 1985 – Last race before long absence (won by Niki Lauda)
- 2021 – Triumphant return after 36 years (won by Max Verstappen)
- 2022 – Verstappen wins again in front of home crowd
- 2023 – Verstappen makes it three in a row (rain-affected race)
- 2024 – Final edition this weekend
What Made Zandvoort Special?
- Seaside location – Right next to the beach!
- Old-school track – Narrow, fast, flowing corners
- Banked corners – Including the famous Turn 3 (Hugenholtzbocht) and Turn 14 (Arie Luyendykbocht)
- Intimate atmosphere – Fans close to the action
- The "Orange Army" – One of the most passionate fanbases in F1
Summary
The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is ending after this weekend’s race. Despite sell-out crowds, an incredible atmosphere, and home hero Max Verstappen winning every year since 2021, the event wasn’t financially sustainable for the organizers. It’s a sad moment for fans, but the memories of the "Orange Army" packing the dunes will remain a highlight of modern F1 history.
FAQ
Will the Dutch Grand Prix ever come back?
Maybe! F1 calendars change often. If a new promoter steps up with a solid financial plan, or if the current organizers find a way to make the numbers work, it could return in the future.
Why does a sold-out race lose money?
Great question! The fee to host an F1 race is very high (tens of millions of dollars). Add track upgrades, staffing, security, and operations—and ticket sales alone often don’t cover it. Many races rely on government funding or major corporate sponsors to break even.
Who has won at Zandvoort since it returned?
Max Verstappen has won all three races since the return (2021, 2022, 2023). He’s the hometown hero driving for the Austrian team Red Bull, but backed by Dutch fans.
What’s special about the Zandvoort track?
It’s a classic "old-school" circuit—narrow, fast, with banked corners (the track tilts upward on the outside, like a NASCAR oval but less extreme). It’s right behind sand dunes next to the North Sea, making it unique and challenging.
Where can I watch the final Dutch Grand Prix?
Check your local F1 broadcaster (like ESPN in the US, Sky Sports in the UK, or F1 TV Pro in many countries). The race is typically on Sunday afternoon European time.