'A cherry on the cake’

Verstappen's Future Secured

Formula One chief executive Stefano Domenicali has described Max Verstappen's decision to extend his Red Bull contract through to the end of 2030 as the "cherry on the cake" of the final Dutch Grand Prix weekend at Zandvoort. The announcement, made on Thursday, brings an end to months of speculation over the world champion's future, a development Domenicali said he is "very proud and happy" about.

Speaking at the circuit where Verstappen has enjoyed passionate home support, Domenicali praised the four-time champion as "a world-class person" and expressed confidence that Red Bull will provide him with the machinery to compete at the highest level. "The news of Max's staying with Red Bull is a cherry on the cake for this weekend," he said, adding that the team will be motivated to give Verstappen the best car.

The contract extension comes as the sport prepares to bid farewell to Zandvoort, which hosts its last Grand Prix this weekend after six years back on the calendar. Domenicali thanked the Dutch fans for the energy they brought to the event, particularly during the pandemic years, when Zandvoort delivered what he called "an incredible event" against the odds. "We are leaving with a positive at having done something unique," he said.

A Championship Far From Over

With the season approaching its climax, Domenicali noted that the 2026 championship remains wide open at the front of the field. "It's far from over," he said, underscoring the competitive battle for the title as the campaign moves towards its conclusion.

Abu Dhabi Finale Confirmed

Amid concerns about the December Abu Dhabi Grand Prix due to regional tensions linked to the Iran war, Domenicali moved to reassure fans and stakeholders that the season will end as planned in the United Arab Emirates. "The calendar is confirmed," he said, adding that "there are still a few tickets to be sold in Abu Dhabi" and that preparations for the event are on track.

The confirmation follows earlier suggestions from Domenicali that the finale could potentially be moved to Europe, with Imola floated as a possible alternative. However, speaking at Zandvoort, he insisted the original schedule—which includes the Qatar Grand Prix on November 29 and the Abu Dhabi finale on December 6—remains intact. "We stay focused on delivering the calendar we promised at the beginning of the year," he said.

The reassurances come after Formula 1 was forced to cancel races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia in March due to regional tensions stemming from the Iran war. Bahrain has since been rescheduled for October 4, but the confirmation of the Abu Dhabi finale will be welcome news to fans and organisers alike.

A Fond Farewell at Zandvoort

The Dutch Grand Prix weekend carries added significance as it marks the final Formula 1 race at Zandvoort, the circuit that returned to the calendar in 2021 after a 36-year absence. Domenicali paid tribute to the track and its supporters, thanking them for the energy they brought to the sport, particularly during the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"They were able to deliver an incredible event during Covid," he said, reflecting on the Dutch fans' contribution. He added that the sport is leaving Zandvoort "with a positive at having done something unique."

The sentiment was echoed by Domenicali's broader outlook on the 2026 season, which he described as having a close battle at the front and being "far from over."

Abu Dhabi Commitments

Beyond the farewell at Zandvoort, Domenicali also addressed the season's conclusion, underlining the commitment to finishing in Abu Dhabi. Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, expressed pride in hosting the race since 2009, highlighting the event's role in bringing the world together through major international occasions. Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of organiser Ethara, confirmed that preparations at Yas Marina Circuit are progressing well.

The event's entertainment lineup includes Andrea Bocelli, Zara Larsson, Lewis Capaldi, and Imagine Dragons, with organisers noting that ticket availability is limited and directing fans to the official website. Domenicali also pointed to other upcoming races, including the debut of the Madrid Grand Prix and a return to Malaysia, while noting that Las Vegas still has tickets available.

A Championship Still in the Balance

Looking ahead to the rest of the 2026 season, Domenicali noted that the championship battle at the front remains closely contested and is "far from over." His comments suggest a campaign that continues to deliver drama and competition as the calendar moves toward its climax.

As the paddock prepares to leave Zandvoort, Domenicali expressed gratitude to the venue and its fans, acknowledging the energy they brought to the sport, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when the Dutch Grand Prix delivered an "incredible event." He described the atmosphere as "amazing" and said the sport leaves with "a positive at having done something unique."

Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond

The final Dutch Grand Prix weekend also provided a moment to reflect on the wider 2026 season, which Domenicali described as having a close battle at the front and being "far from over." With the championship fight heating up, the F1 chief expressed optimism about the remainder of the calendar.

Looking further ahead, Domenicali highlighted upcoming events including the Madrid Grand Prix and a return to Malaysia, noting that tickets for the Madrid round are set to go on sale. He also pointed to Las Vegas as a "unique place" on the schedule, while acknowledging that there are still tickets to be sold for the Abu Dhabi finale.

Meanwhile, Saood Abdulaziz Al Hosani, undersecretary of the Department of Culture and Tourism Abu Dhabi, expressed pride in hosting the race since 2009, saying the event "creates meaningful opportunities for our tourism and hospitality sectors." Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of organisers Ethara, said preparations at Yas Marina Circuit are progressing well. The event will feature performances by Andrea Bocelli, Zara Larsson, Lewis Capaldi and Imagine Dragons, with organisers urging fans to secure tickets via abudhabigp.com as availability is limited.

A Lasting Legacy at Zandvoort

Domenicali used the occasion to pay tribute to Zandvoort and its fans, who delivered an "incredible event" during the Covid-affected seasons. "The energy they brought was amazing," he said, adding that the circuit leaves with "a positive at having done something unique." The final Dutch Grand Prix thus closes a six-year chapter on the calendar, marked by passionate crowds and memorable racing.

As the 2026 season continues with a tight battle at the front, Domenicali's comments reflect both a celebratory mood at Zandvoort and a firm commitment to the season's original plan. With the calendar confirmed and preparations in Abu Dhabi on track, Formula 1 looks set to deliver its promised finale in the Gulf.