NASCAR is making bold moves to expand its global reach, and an exciting possibility is emerging in the wake of recent developments in Formula One.
The Dutch Grand Prix, a favorite for Max Verstappen and his dedicated fans at the Zandvoort track, will be removed from the F1 calendar after 2026, with F1 confirming that it will be replaced by a sprint event that year.
This marks the end of the race’s six-year run in the Netherlands after its return in 2021, during which Verstappen dominated.
This shift in F1 could open the door for NASCAR to host a major race in Zandvoort as early as 2027. With the Dutch GP disappearing, the iconic beachside track may become an ideal venue for NASCAR, which has been making efforts to internationalize its brand.
The Cup Series’ race in Mexico City in 2025 is a significant step in this direction, being the first international points-paying race for NASCAR.
Max Verstappen’s fans, who have created a raucous atmosphere in Zandvoort with their sea of orange, would feel the loss, but it could also signal a new chapter for NASCAR’s global ambitions.
