Dutch Grand Prix boss Jan Lammers has elaborated on the financial challenges that will see Zandvoort host its final Formula 1 race in 2026, emphasising that the decision is entirely due to the financial risk involved.
It has been known for some time that the 2026 race will be the last at Zandvoort, but Lammers has now shed light on how the rising costs and lack of state funding make continuing beyond that point unsustainable.
"Ultimately, we have to do it without subsidy in the Netherlands," Lammers explained to Ziggo Sport. "Completely at our own expense and risk.
"It's nice that everyone is satisfied with us, but it's us who would have to deal with the losses. Then everyone can say what fun we had with uncle Jan's money," he said with a smile.
Unlike many other circuits on the Formula 1 calendar, the Dutch GP operates without significant government backing, making the financial burden of hosting increasingly difficult to manage.
"If you are already talking about a cost item of over 50 million, and you know it will cost that, it could be in the region of 70 million," Lammers added.
"That is a risk that someone has to take."
Despite these challenges, Lammers is proud of what the Dutch GP has achieved since its return in 2021, particularly its ability to capitalise on the success of Max Verstappen.
"If you know in advance that you are going to be successful with these six editions, then I think you should just leave it at that," he said.
"And I am super proud of that. It means we were successful from start to finish.
"We took the risk, and because of Max, the opportunity was there," he concluded.
