Max Verstappen will return to action at the Dutch Grand Prix next weekend

Max Verstappen wants to be a Dutch grand master – before his home race is scrapped. The four-time defending world champion has had a frustrating season, as he sits third in the drivers’ championship just under 100 points behind pacesetter Oscar Piastri.

But all that can change on the coastal circuit at Zandvoort next weekend because the 27-year-old is desperate to win the next two Dutch Grand Prix before it is axed from the calendar.

More than 110,000 fans a day have flocked to see their home hero since it returned to the Netherlands in 2021, when Verstappen won his first world title. Verstappen will still be driving for Red Bull Racing next year.

That’s because the performance clause in his contract is no longer in force this season, as he is in the top three of the table at the summer break. If he was fourth, he could go.

Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff wants Verstappen – he was again spotted with the Dutchman during the summer holidays – and is now certain to make a move next year.

The dream won’t stop Wolff announcing new deals for current drivers Kimi Antonelli and George Russell.

Also Verstappen – under his contract until 2028 – is happy that Red Bull life has settled down with new team boss Laurent Mekies following the departure after 20 years of Christian Horner. But there’s a lot happening next year which could decide the next road for the Dutchman.

The regulations in Formula 1 will be completely overhauled, Mercedes have a new engine while Red Bull will debut their own engine. And, of course, it’s the final Dutch Grand Prix – that will be Verstappen’s main focus.