Max Verstappen has called on the Dutch government to provide greater support for motorsport as the Netherlands prepares to enter an uncertain period following the end of the Dutch Grand Prix.
The future of motorsport in the country has become a growing concern, with Zandvoort set to host the Dutch Grand Prix for the final time. At the same time, Verstappen’s own future in Formula 1 remains a major talking point, raising questions about what will happen to the huge wave of interest he has created in his home country.
Over the past decade, Verstappen has played a central role in transforming the popularity of motorsport across the Netherlands. His success in Formula 1 has inspired a new generation of fans and drivers, while other Dutch racers have also achieved notable success on the international stage.
Nyck de Vries, for example, has made his mark in both Formula E and the World Endurance Championship, helping to demonstrate that the Netherlands possesses plenty of motorsport talent beyond Formula 1.
However, Verstappen believes the long-term future of Dutch motorsport cannot depend on one driver. He stressed that maintaining interest in racing will ultimately depend on the emergence of new talent capable of reaching the highest levels of the sport.
“That’s not in my hands,” Verstappen told Formule1.nl when discussing the future of Dutch motorsport.
“Popularity depends mainly on the talent coming up, and hopefully someone from that group will make it to Formula 1.”
According to Verstappen, reaching Formula 1 is particularly important because the presence of a successful Dutch driver at motorsport’s highest level would generate significant attention and help maintain public interest.
“Because that’s what creates the biggest buzz. Chance always plays a role. Just look at Germany in the past,” he added.
Germany provides a clear warning of what could happen if a country loses its connection to Formula 1. The nation previously enjoyed a golden era in motorsport, producing multiple F1 drivers, hosting grands prix and developing a passionate fan base.
Yet interest has declined considerably despite Mercedes, one of Formula 1’s most successful manufacturers, remaining a major force in the championship.
Verstappen’s comments therefore underline the importance of developing young Dutch drivers and creating opportunities for them to progress through the motorsport ladder.
With Zandvoort’s F1 future coming to an end and Verstappen eventually expected to step away from the sport, Dutch motorsport faces a crucial challenge: finding the next generation of stars capable of carrying the country’s racing passion forward.
