Formula 1 racing will not return to Zandvoort racetrack after the current contract ends in 2026 after organisers said the cost of staging the event was becoming a challenge.

Race director Robert van Overdijk confirmed the circuit had decided not to renew its contract with Formula 1 management (FOM) after days of speculation in Dutch media.

“There were various options on the table to continue,” Van Overdijk said. “We could have rotated with other circuits, there were opportunities to carry on every year as well.

“In the end it is our decision. It might come as a surprise to the bosses of F1, but they definitely respect and understand us. They know how we have to operate.”

Van Overdijk said Zandvoort was not under financial pressure to stop, but European races were having to compete with other parts of the world, notably Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where governments have spent billions on luring the F1 circus to their country.

“The world of Formula 1 has changed,” he said. “We’re aware of the factors, but they didn’t influence our decision.”

VAT increase

Earlier he had hinted that the new Dutch government’s decision to raise VAT on event tickets could jeopardise the future of the event, fearing that a 12% price hike would put fans off.

“We and the British Grand Prix at Silverstone are the only races that have to operate without any government support,” Van Overdijk said.

“We need to have a full house three days in a row to make a return. The line is thin. A one-off dip isn’t so bad, but we can’t afford to have fewer visitors on a permanent basis.”

F1 racing returned to Zandvoort in 2021 after a 36-year absence, after the scheduled 2020 race was cancelled because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Crowds were swelled by the success of home favourite Max Verstappen, who won the first three races and finished second in this year’s edition in August, behind Lando Norris.

Zandvoort also won plaudits for cutting its carbon footprint, with 98% of racegoers travelling to the circuit by train, bicycle or on foot.

The final Grand Prix in 2026 will include a sprint race for the first time, with the winner claiming an extra eight points towards the overall title, compared to 25 points for a full race win.

Van Overdijk said the organisers had made the decision to go out on a high. “You could say: if it’s a success, why not carry on? But we’re sending a message from a strong position. We’re going to go out with a bang.”