Red Bull Motorsports
F1
“Mixed emotions” as Verstappen bids farewell to Zandvoort
Despite the drama of his final Dutch Grand Prix, Max Verstappen leaves Zandvoort ready to begin a new chapter with Oracle Red Bull Racing.
Max Verstappen’s final Dutch Grand Prix came to an early end at Zandvoort, bringing an unexpected conclusion to a significant week for the four-time world champion.
Fortunately, Verstappen walked away unscathed from the accident, and while his final Dutch Grand Prix ended earlier than hoped, his recent contract extension means there is plenty to look forward to over the next four years.
01
Hope from the fourth row
Max Verstappen in action during the Sprint race at Zandvoort
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
After finishing sixth in Saturday's Sprint race, the 28-year-old had qualified seventh for the Grand Prix and admitted afterwards that the position represented what was possible with the car.
"I didn’t really feel like I left anything on the table,” he said after qualifying. “It’s just not where I wanted to be."
Rain showers before the race offered fresh hope that Verstappen could deliver one final memorable moment for his home fans as Zandvoort prepared to bow out after six years on the F1 calendar.
Rain fell as Verstappen prepared to race on the grid
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
02
A final push for the home fans
Ultimately, it was those conditions that went against him. Battling in the midfield as he approached the final banked corner on the opening lap, Verstappen lost control on a damp patch and hit the barriers, bringing out the red flag.
"It looked like it was dry in that spot, so I tried to accelerate and it just caught me out," Verstappen said. "I have mixed emotions, as it was positive seeing so many fans here for one final time, but a huge shame to not finish the race.
"Luckily, we have such positive memories here and were able to achieve great things at this track, so I want to thank the fans for all the support."
Verstappen has given the Orange Army plenty to celebrate over the years
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
Luckily, we have such positive memories here and were able to achieve great things at this track
Elsewhere, Liam Lawson delivered his best drive of the 2026 season, bringing the second Oracle Red Bull Racing car home in seventh after starting eighth. Visa Cash App Racing Bulls stand-in Yuki Tsunoda narrowly missed out on points in 11th on his first competitive outing of the year, with rookie teammate Arvid Lindblad one place behind in 12th.
03
A new chapter starts here
Despite the race not going to plan, this final Zandvoort Grand Prix week did bring one major positive for Verstappen and his team. After months of speculation regarding his future, he put pen to paper on a new deal with Oracle Red Bull Racing that will keep him with the team until the end of 2030.
The Dutchman has just signed a contract extension until 2030
© Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool
The Team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home
It extends a partnership that began when Verstappen joined the Red Bull Junior Programme in 2014 and has since produced four Drivers’ World Championships and 71 Grand Prix victories.
“The Team is like a second family for me and I feel very at home,” Verstappen said when the extension was announced. “To continue this journey with the same Team that I have been with my whole career is really special.”
Buoyed by his new deal, he had hoped to give his Orange Army of fans something to celebrate before his home race drops off the calendar, saying: “Hopefully we can give the fans a special send-off for the final race.”
While the send-off didn't unfold as planned, the bigger story of Verstappen’s week extends far beyond one afternoon at Zandvoort. With his future settled, the second half of the season is now about pushing himself and Oracle Red Bull Racing forward – starting at Monza.
