The debates around the nature of the circuits on the Formula One calendar is never far from someones lips in the paddock. The two most recent additions in Miami and Las Vegas were regarded by many with suspicion given both are in effect street circuit style races which have been increasing in number on the schedule over the last two decades.
Yet such has been the success of the Florida based weekend, the promoters this year agreed a huge extension of their contract which now runs until 2041. Whilst a ten year deal was sought for Sin City, to date an extension of the original three year deal has been granted for 2026.
But with commitment from casino partners and a approval for a 10-year extension from Clark County for the race to continue along the Strip, seem a formality.
Zandvoort to say farewell to F1
Formula One was essentially a European racing series at its inception with a foray into the Indy500 for just over a decade being its only other global destination. Yet under the leadership of F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone, the sport has advanced its reach to the four corners of the earth.
Europe too represents F1’s biggest TV audience and with each new race concerns are raised about the loss of historic tracks in F1’s heartland. The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix was far from a classic in the purist racing sense, but the drama an chaos at time rivalled any other F1 weekend this year.
Yet the race in Zandvoort will say farewell to F1 in 2026 with promoters deciding the price was too high as they along with those who sponsor the British Grand Prix, are the only events not to receive some form of government funding.
Dutch GP return timed perfectly for Verstappen win
Zandvoort returned to the F1 calendar after years in the wilderness following a makeover of the original circuit which wends its way through the sand dunes along the west coast of the Netherlands. Its unique turn three which is banked at 19 degrees (8 more than Indianapolis) was the site of the greatest incidents, as Max Verstappen took the low line and slithered past Norris on the opening lap.
Lewis Hamilton put his Ferrari into the wall at the top of the banking and Charles Leclerc was the victim of Antonelli’s failed low line overtake.
The circuit was set to return for the 2020 season, but Covid forced a delay until the following year. In some Dutch fans eyes its return was in fact timed to perfection, given in 2021 their home hero Verstappen won the race before going on to claim his first F1 title in an epic duel with Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen and Mercedes talks confirmed
Verstappen makes one plea
With the demise of another “heritage circuit” saying farewell to F1 this year at Imola, Max Verstappen was asked last time out how he felt about losing his home Grand Prix. Whilst clearly disappointed he had one request for the F1 administrators, “as long as we don’t add another street circuit, then I’m happy,” he retorted.
“Of course, it’s a shame, but what can you do about it? I’m already very proud that I’ve had a home Grand Prix for a few years. We’re just going to make the best out of it, enjoy it a bit more. Even when F1 is not here, it’s still a great track to drive in any car. So, for sure, I’ll be back. But yeah, let’s see. I have no idea how the calendar will look in two years’ time. So, we’ll have to wait and see.”
There is currently no replacement lined up for Zandvoort in 2027, as the Madridring will success the outgoing Imola. Time is short for Formula One to find another venue, given the procedures required by the FIA for a circuit to meet its grade A standard.
Portimao lined up as replacement
That said, Portuguese Prime Minister, Luis Montenegro confirmed during the F1 summer break that “everything is ready to formalise the return of Formula 1 to the Algarve. And I can tell you that we have everything ready to formalise the return of Formula 1 to the Algarve next year, in 2027.”
Sounding pretty categoric, the race in Portimao would be a perfect solution to retaining the balance of European presence on the calendar, although the Concorde agreement says this must be eight race weekends each season with the current calendar seeing nine hosted on the continent.
Both Imola and Zandvoort carry the marks of a previous F1 era where cars were light and nimble and the engines would roar. Yet the cars now a monsters compared with the cars from yesteryear and despite the chaos at the weekend, the racing on the whole was professional as it is in Imola.
Norris DNF hands Piastri the title
Modern circuits for mordern F1 cars
Even the new set of F1 car design regulations for 2026 which were hailed as making the cars smaller and lighter achieved only a 25kg reduction in weight and a small retrenchment of the footprint of the machines.
Portimao is a modern circuit designed with overtones of Nurenberg and Spa-Francochamps due to its never ending undulating nature. There are big downhill slopes and cleverly designed corners which on the wide track modern circuit are excellent overtaking opportunities.
So F1 fans whilst sad to lose the history over Imola and Zandvoort, will be cheered by the prospect of more exciting racing. Zandvoort has suffered the Michael Schumacher syndrome, where once Germany was F1 mad with two approved circuits, the interest in the country fell away when Schumacher retired.
Zandvoort too has peaked in terms of fans interest, with the organisers revealing before the weekend the race was “nearly sold out.” Once a sellout flooded with the orange colours of the Netherlands, Zandvort will host one last party next season in the hope of seeing their man win there for one last time.
Indycar 9 times winner to debut in 2016 F2
The 2025 Indycar season finale last weekend in Nashville left a number of questions unanswered. The series greatest ever qualifier, Will Power with his 65 podiums was believed to be leaving Penske for a destination unknown, despite him being the best of their three drivers this year.
As it turned out, matters were to be swiftly resolved with Andretti’s Colton Herta – with 16 pole positions and 9 wins in Indycar – making the remarkable decision to pursue his Formula One career by moving to Europe and racing in F2.
With Herta being announced last night as Cadillac F1’s test driver, the long standing expectation that Mick Schumacher would join the team was finally dashed. The 25 year old Californian has described this as “a risky move” given he is betting on himself to impress in the sometimes crazy junior formula racing…. READ MORE
A.J. Hunt is Senior Editor at TJ13, where Andrew oversees editorial standards and contributes to the site’s Formula 1 coverage. A career journalist with experience in both print and digital sports media, Andrew trained in investigative journalism and has written for a range of European sports outlets.
At TJ13, Andrew plays a central role in shaping the site’s output, working across breaking news, analysis, and long-form features. Andrew’s responsibilities include fact-checking, refining editorial structure, and ensuring consistency in reporting across a fast-moving news cycle.
Andrew’s work focuses particularly on the intersection of Formula 1 politics, regulation, and team strategy. Andrew closely follows developments involving the FIA, team leadership, and driver market dynamics, helping to provide context behind the sport’s biggest stories.
With experience covering multiple seasons of Formula 1’s modern hybrid era, Andrew has developed a detailed understanding of how regulatory changes and competitive shifts influence the grid. Andrew’s editorial approach prioritises clarity and context, aiming to help readers navigate complex developments within the sport.
In addition to editorial duties, Andrew is particularly interested in how media narratives shape fan perception of Formula 1, and how reporting can balance speed with accuracy in an increasingly digital news environment.
With over 30 years of experience in Formula 1 as an insider journalist, I have built trusted connections across the paddock, from race engineers and mechanics to senior team figures. At The Judge 13, I and a handful of trusted colleagues share exclusive Formula 1 news, expert analysis and behind-the-scenes stories you will not find in mainstream motorsport media.
