It was announced on Friday morning that the legendary Belgian GP had been offered a new deal keeping it on the calendar until the end of 2025, the same time that the Dutch GP’s contract expires.

According to Het Laatste Nieuws, the two events could rotate from 2026 onwards, when the new power unit regulations are introduced.

Verstappen’s home race only returned to the calendar in 2021 following a 35-year hiatus, with it having become more like a Dutch festival since it returned.

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Zandvoort becomes a sea of orange during the Dutch GP, with it having produced some excellent racing since its return.

This year’s race saw a thrilling Grand Prix with changeable conditions, yet it was still Verstappen who came out on top.

The three-time World Champion has actually won his home race every season since its return, something which delights his adoring fans.

Verstappen has actually addressed the possibility of Zandvoort and Spa-Francorchamps being rotated, with him warning the sport that it might not work.

“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,” Verstappen said in August, as reported by The Express.

Rotating the Dutch GP would likely infuriate Verstappen’s supporters, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali having acknowledged that the race has become a “fan favourite”.

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Domenicali appears to be a supporter of the event, which is why they were given a new deal until the end of 2025.

“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,” Domenicali 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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The Dutch GP returned to the calendar in 2021 and has been a massive success, mostly due to the dominance of home racer Max Verstappen.

Verstappen has won the Dutch GP every season since it’s return, with him chasing a third consecutive win at Zandvoort on Sunday.

The historic venue throws up an unusual challenge, with its fast and flowing nature.

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As it stands, the Dutch GP is only contracted until 2025, meaning that it’s at least safe for two more years.

Domenicali is clearly a big fan of the event and admits it’s set the “bar very high”, especially given the fact it doesn’t receive government support.

“You now see that the promoters of other races want to follow this example – and to think that Zandvoort does not receive any support from the government,” Domenicali told De Telegraaf.

“Something fantastic has been achieved here and I would like to take the opportunity again to be grateful for that,” he added.

“With the atmosphere, the fans and the sustainable approach, Zandvoort is an example for many other races. They have set the bar very high.”

Despite Domenicali being very happy with the circuit and the Dutch GP, there is a possibility that it could alternate with another venue in the future, meaning it’d only be seen every other year.

The F1 president wants to discover the “best option” for the circuit and the sport, but he’s hopeful that the two will continue working together for a long time.

“The future for Zandvoort looks bright anyway,” Domenicali insisted.

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“In the conversation on Friday morning we already talked about the future. Everything is still open.

“Either we continue in this way, or we rotate every other year with a different race. Together we will see what the best option is.

“But I say it again – everything looks very good. I cannot imagine that our cooperation will end soon.”

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Kravitz, renowned for his insightful pit lane commentary, and Lazenby, the network’s primary Formula 1 presenter, have been a consistent presence, making their absence all the more intriguing.

Sky Sports F1, known for its adaptable presenting lineup, selects from a roster of 14 presenters, commentators, and analysts for each race. 

This approach ensures diverse perspectives and expertise, although not all personalities are featured simultaneously due to this rotational strategy.

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Kravitz, celebrated for his comprehensive analysis within team garages, and Lazenby, the face of Sky Sports F1’s broadcasting, have been mainstays, offering fans in-depth coverage and captivating insights. 

Nevertheless, this weekend, fans tuning in to witness the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will have to do without their familiar commentary.

Kravitz offered clarity on their absence during a segment of his program, Ted’s Notebook, following the Belgian Grand Prix in July. 

He shared, “I won’t be there, Simon and I are doing some experimental dance at the Edinburgh Festival. 

“I will be back, and the Notebook will return at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza.” 

This isn’t the first instance of Kravitz missing a race this season due to personal reasons. 

Notably, he was absent from the presenting lineup during the Spanish Grand Prix in June, opting for an unconventional longboat holiday on the Grand Union Canal instead.

The absence of Kravitz from the pit lane has left a void in coverage for the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix. 

The question of who will fill his role remains unanswered, and recent speculation hints at Martin Brundle, who temporarily took on the role during Friday practice in Barcelona. 

Brundle humorously remarked on his “promotion” to the pit lane duties but later expressed his frustration with the lack of on-track action.

With racing returning after the summer race, Formula 1 fans anticipate an eventful weekend. 

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Notably, Max Verstappen, the hometown hero, has the opportunity to secure his ninth consecutive victory. 

Should he achieve this feat, he will equal the record set by Red Bull legend Sebastian Vettel in 2013. 

Verstappen’s dominance, combined with Red Bull’s exceptional performance this season, sets the pairing on course to win both world championships.

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The Zandvoort City Council, which governs the region where the race takes place, approved the decision this week, citing the need to cover expenses associated with managing the influx of visitors, including road closures, noise control, and waste management.

While the tax will not be enforced until next year, fans attending the event in 2023 will be exempt from the additional fee. 

However, beginning in 2024, the ‘fun tax’ will be charged to the event promoter, who will subsequently pass on the cost to attendees.

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Expressing their discontent, the Dutch Grand Prix promoters voiced concerns over the measure but reluctantly agreed to accept it if it was indeed implemented. 

Robert van Overdijk, the circuit director, argued that the event generates substantial revenue for the municipality and believed it could sustain them for years to come. 

He stated, “We do not agree because we think that we are bringing a lot of money with this event, and the municipality can live on that for years to come.”

The impact of this tax is not limited to Formula 1 fans alone. 

Any event in Zandvoort that attracts more than 10,000 visitors will be subject to the additional charge. 

Considering the city’s population of just over 17,500, this measure is expected to affect a wide range of local gatherings.

Zandvoort secured its position on the Formula 1 calendar until 2025, but the introduction of the ‘fun tax’ may jeopardize its chances of retaining its spot. 

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As other countries, including South Africa, South Korea, and Colombia, reportedly vie for the opportunity to host a race, the added financial burden on fans may hinder Zandvoort’s aspirations.

Fortunately, the Dutch Grand Prix currently offers relatively affordable ticket prices compared to other venues. 

However, Formula 1 authorities are unlikely to view favourably the passing on of a government-imposed tax to its loyal fanbase.

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The Dutch GP has gained significant popularity since its return to the calendar in 2021 after a 36-year absence. 

The enthusiastic crowd and thrilling racing at Zandvoort have made it a fan-favorite event. 

Recent reports suggest that the event might have to alternate its place on the annual calendar with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps.

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Van Overdijk revealed that Formula One Management (FOM) intends to reduce the number of races in Europe and is considering implementing a rotation schedule from 2025. 

However, the specific details of such a schedule are yet to be determined.

“While we are ambitious to remain on the calendar every year after 2025, it is not guaranteed,” van Overdijk stated in an interview with Dutch media.

 He highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the future of the Dutch GP and the need to wait for FOM’s decisions.

The situation for the Dutch GP organizers is further complicated by the local authorities’ plan to impose a tax of EUR 900,000 on the event to cover associated costs. 

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Van Overdijk expressed disagreement with the tax, emphasising the financial benefits brought by the race to the region. However, if implemented, they would have to accept it.

Regarding F1’s proposal for a potential ‘Benelux GP’ rotating between Zandvoort and Spa-Francorchamps, van Overdijk suggested that the final decision rests with FOM. 

He clarified that discussions about the post-2025 period have not taken place yet, as FOM has not reached a verdict. 

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Zandvoort is set to feature at least three more times in F1 before it’s potentially dropped, with some concerned at how short the circuit’s extension is.

Nevertheless, Domenicali was pleased to announce the extension of the Dutch Grand Prix, one that has only been won by Verstappen since it returned in 2021.

“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,” Domenicali said.

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Whilst it should be an exciting time for the nation and the circuit in particular, track director Robert van Overdijk has admitted that it was “not an easy decision” to extend the deal, with the current economic pressures having been a “concern” for the circuit.

“Of course we are very satisfied and happy with where we are now,” Van Overdijk told De Telegraaf.

“But this was not an easy decision.

“Rising costs and economic uncertainty are a concern.”

The fee to host a race is continuing to increase across the globe, with venues in the Middle East and the United States being able to pay considerably more than those in Europe.

Ex-F1 driver and Dutch GP sporting director Jan Lammers admitted that this is a challenge, with other countries being willing to pay “almost a hundred million dollars”.

“We have to compete with other countries, where the government is ready to contribute and where sometimes almost a hundred million dollars a year is paid to organise a race,” said Lammers.

Given the current financial issues in Europe especially, fans wanting to attend the Dutch GP in the future are most likely going to have to part with more money, with ticket prices set to rise.

This is due to an ‘entertainment tax’ being considered by Zandvoort’s local municipality, something Lammers is far from happy about.

“We should charge our visitors with a ‘fun tax’ and of course we don’t want that,” said Lammers.

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“It feels like the municipality wants to piggyback on our success.

“While Zandvoort is in better shape than ever, the entrepreneurs and residents of Zandvoort attach great importance to the continuation of Formula 1 here and I don’t think this is the way to treat each other.

“I hope common sense is used. I was born and bred here and I hope that they will come to their senses and understand that this is not a good idea.”

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The list, created by Dutch magazine Quote, features the 500 richest people in the country, meaning that Verstappen is currently bottom of what is actually a pretty good list to be bottom of!

According to the magazine, the Dutchman is currently worth €120 million, a figure which is highly likely to further increase given his relentless success on the circuit.

Last weekend’s Mexican Grand Prix saw Verstappen claim a record-breaking 14th win of the championship, meaning he officially eclipsed Michael Schumacher’s and Sebastian Vettel’s joint record of 13 wins in a year, which was the previous benchmark.

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Given that there are still two races remaining this season, Verstappen could push the record to 16 wins in a season, something that has in fairness been made possible due to the continuously expanding calendar.

Verstappen himself has previously admitted that it’s easier for drivers these days to break those types of records, given that there were rarely more than 18 rounds in the season in Schumacher’s era, compared to this season’s 22.

Regardless, his victory at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez was also his fourth at that venue alone, cementing his place as one of the greatest drivers of all-time.

Red Bull boss Christian Horner watched on in Mexico with amazement and even explained after the race that Verstappen’s talent is “something very special”.

“We are actually witnessing something very special,” Horner said following Verstappen’s victory in Mexico.

“And I sometimes think that his achievements perhaps don’t receive the plaudits that they should.”

Verstappen wasn’t the only F1-related figure on the list, as Prince Bernhard, co-owner of Zandvoort, which hosts the Dutch Grand Prix, came 481st on the list.

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Bernard is worth a reported €125 million, a sum likely to be matched by Verstappen in no time at all.

The 25-year-old is understandably raking it in, given that his base salary at Red Bull is a reported £40 million per year.

He’s set to receive at least this every year until 2027, when his lucrative deal with the Austrians expires.

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The Belgian Grand Prix is out of contract after this year’s race in the Ardennes Forest having played host to 54 previous races, with 15 different constructors and 28 drivers taking the win at the hallowed and historic track.

It comes after comments from F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali that he would like to exploit Asian and African interest, with a return to the Kyalami circuit on the cards, while the Shanghai International Circuit waits to resume its place as the host of the Chinese Grand Prix following the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also suggested that, due to the global attentiveness around the pinnacle of motorsport, there could end up being 30 races on the calendar, including three in the United States – namely in Austin, Miami and Las Vegas.

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“I think there is potential to go to 24. I would say there is potential to go to 30, in terms of the interest we see all around the world,” stated the former Ferrari boss.

“It is up to us to try to find the right balance, considering the venues which would like to be in F1, [and] the historical values we need to see on the calendar.”

However, this would require sacrifices, and the Italian confirmed that there would be an abandonment of some current races to make way for new, pristine venues with the demographic reach of F1 now more versatile than ever before.

“There are some promoters who have expiring agreements, and probably some of the current Grands Prix will no longer be part of the calendar,” he conceded.

A report has indicated that Spa’s future in F1 is under vacillation, but the disappearance of the Russian Grand Prix after their invasion of Ukraine might open the door for them to sign an extension.

In the meantime, a new deal is being negotiated with the popular Zandvoort circuit, which returned last year after a 36-year absence.

“F1 wants to continue in Zandvoort for years to come,” tweeted Dutch journalist Erik van Haren.

“At the same time, Spa Francorchamps and France are on the cusp. In Spa, [there is] a little more hope for a new contract after Russia has been scrapped.”

He also confirmed that a race in Vegas will “probably be announced soon.”

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Zandvoort has hosted 29 Formula 1 grand prix in its history, and the circuit returned to the pinnacle of motorsport last year following a 36-year absence from the calendar.

It saw a return to the banked corners and dusty run-off that has become synonymous with the adored venue, and the weekend in 2021 featured exuberant beach parties sandwiched in between on-track running.

Mobilisation for the Environment – a Dutch environmentalist group – has warned that the racing at the Zandvoort circuit is damaging the sand dunes that the circuit is named after.

Former Formula 1 driver Jan Lammers is the sporting director of the Dutch Grand Prix in the north west of the Netherlands, and he estimates that F1 accounts for just one percent of the emissions produced by the event, comparing its impact to a “football match.”

However, the group are reported to believe that the figures around climate change are not quite what Zandvoort’s race organisers are claiming.

As a result, the group has filed a lawsuit arguing that Zandvoort should have its race host license revoked.

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Valentijn Wosten, a legal advisor, warns that any ambiguity over the ecological impact of the grand prix and race weekend should see the 2022 race in the Netherlands removed from the calendar.

“The legal requirement for permits is that there should be no uncertainty about possible harmful consequences for the protected ecology,” he said in an interview with f1maximaal.nl.

“With the report, it is established there is no such certainty. Then the judge can only go one way – annul the permit decision.

“As a follow-up to this, politicians will have to conduct a serious debate about the enforceability of a mass event location in the middle of vulnerable dunes,” he added.

Wosten is bemused as to why talks about the impact the Dutch Grand Prix has on the dunes has taken this long to take place.

“The debate about moving to a less vulnerable location should have been held much earlier. Leaving uncertainty about the future of the circuit at this location is not good for anyone,” he stated.

Lammers insists that the group is merely attempting to gain attention from the Dutch Grand Prix’s name, and said he intends to defend Zandvoort’s right to host a race.

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“We naturally generate a lot of media attention with our GP, and this creates an opportunity for the environment and nature organisations that they can use,” he said.

“That is their right, and it is now up to us to defend in this case through the court that we are within our rights. We can do that, but it’s not up to us to judge that – the judge will ultimately have to do that.”

The 1988 24 hours of Le Mans winner has pledged to defend the circuit’s right to host the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix.

“Of course, we do our very best to do our homework and make sure the facts are correct,” he added.

“We are not trying to tell a story to anyone with a mirror and beads, we are just trying to show through careful work that things fit the bill.

“In any case, we have become a lot stronger because of all the trials we have gone through.”

Asked about the possible harm the Dutch Grand Prix is doing to the sand dunes, Lammers stresses that F1 cars give off far less emissions than they used to during his 23 race starts between 1979 and 1992.

“Look, when I was in F1 we ​​had a tank of 200 litres of petrol and we did a grand prix with that,” he stated.

“Then we had just over 500 horsepower. They are now doing a GP with 136 litres and with 1,000hp, so a lot has already happened in that area. An F1 car consumes every drop of energy.”

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The Dutchman therefore reinforces the point that the race, given the sport’s continued push for net zero emissions, scarcely affects the ecology of the area.

“Now I don’t want to suggest warm air comes out of the exhaust, but that fuel is used to the maximum so the emissions are also minimal.

“That said, the GP itself accounts for 1% of the total event’s emissions. In that respect, it’s not that much of a difference to a football match.”

Formula 1 adopted its current 1.6-litre turbo-hybrid engines in 2014, and has laid out a target of transforming F1 into a carbon-neutral sport by 2030.

Max Verstappen won last year’s Dutch Grand Prix in North Holland, securing the seventh of his 10 race victories en route to his maiden world championship.

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