Robert van Overdijk, director of the Dutch Grand Prix, explained that the decision not to race in Zandvoort was made in order to protect the business.

Formula One chief Stefano Domenicalli claimed that it was the promoter’s call not to return after 2026.

and Van Overdijk elaborated: “We are a privately owned and operated business, and we must balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event, against other risks and responsibilities.

“We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026.”

Formula One have now confirmed that the Dutch Grand Prix will be leaving the calendar in 2026.

The race, which takes place in Zandvoort, has been extended for the next two years, when it will then fall off the schedule.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of F1, said: “I am incredibly grateful for the work that the team at the Dutch Grand Prix have done in recent years.

“They raised the bar for European Grands Prix in terms of event spectacle and entertainment, supported the development of young talent by hosting F2, F3 and our F1 ACADEMY series, and have also pioneered sustainable solutions that have inspired our events around the world as we drive towards being Net Zero by 2030.

“All parties positively collaborated to find a solution to extend the race, with many options, including alternation or annual events on the table, and we respect the decision from the promoter to finish its amazing run in 2026.”

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff joked that the FIA should have their own reality show, reflecting on the chaos of the past few weeks.

Several high-profile exits have been made by the governing body and race director Rui Marques had to step up from F2 and F3 to F1 very late, where he oversaw all races in Qatar.

“I mean generally, if you look at it in a positive way, it could have its own reality show with what’s happening at the moment,” Wolff said.

“I think all of our stakeholders need to bear in mind that we need to protect this holy grail of a sport, that it is, and do it with responsibility and accountability and transparency. And it doesn’t come across like that.

“So I can’t look into the organisation. I understand what we [the teams] are doing in trying to keep that together. But it’s good that the drivers are united in this bigger picture, like they’ve shown.

“Teams very much have an understanding of what we believe is right or wrong. And so everybody just needs to look in the mirror and say: ‘am I contributing the best to this sport, or not?’”

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner has described George Russell as “hysterical” following his row with Max Verstappen.

Verstappen said that he had lost all “respect” for the Mercedes driver after their Qatar altercation in the stewards room, which culminated in an unusual one-place grid penalty for the Dutchman.

“The penalty was more based on hysterics from George [Russell], who has been quite hysterical this weekend,” Horner said.

“Unfortunately, I think there was a little bit of gamesmanship going on in that.

“Let’s just say he [Max Verstappen] wasn’t enamoured with the decision. It was a very strange decision, because… both cars were on slow laps.

“I did feel that George and Mercedes made a big meal out of it, and it was unprecedented on a slow lap for Max to end up with a one-place penalty.”

Lewis Hamilton has cast doubt on the prospect of ending his glittering Mercedes career on a high.

His final race for the Silver Arrows will take place this week in Abu Dhabi, before the seven-time world champion leaves for Ferrari.

“I don’t think it will end on a high,” said Hamilton. “It’ll end. What’s important is we turn up and give it our best shot.”

The Dutch Grand Prix reportedly will no longer be on the calendar from 2026, as just two more Formula One will be held in Zandvoort.

That’s according to De Telegraaf, who claim that a sprint race will take place either in 2025 or 2026.

Dutch GP director Robert van Overdijk told NOS: “There were various options on the table to continue. We could rotate with other circuits, there were also possibilities to continue annually.

“We made a lot of considerations and this is the outcome. Ultimately, it is our choice. The F1 top may be surprised, but they certainly respect and understand us. They know how we have to work.”

That’s all we have time for tonight.

But be sure to come back right here bright and early tomorrow morning for much more build-up ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

We’ll see you in the morning!

Jenson Button believes Yuki Tsunoda should be Max Verstappen’s next Red Bull team-mate.

Sergio Perez is facing mounting pressure after a difficult season. Attention has already turned to who could replace the Mexican.

Button told Sky Sports: “Personally, I think yes [Tsunoda can cope with the pressure of driving for Red Bull].

“They keep throwing teammates at him, and he keeps kicking them away. He’s a very different Yuki from last year. He’s not as fiery as he was, and he’s getting the results.”

Zak Brown has responded in good humour after being brought down to earth by Max Verstappen.

Verstappen took great pleasure in reminding Brown that he had been proven wrong during an interview on Sky Sports, joking: “Like you said before, I could only win it in the fastest car.”

Brown said in his press conference: “A little joke like that, that’s part of it, isn’t it? It’s just a shame that people sometimes misjudge that.

“I said that he has now beaten my Senna guy and then I read again that I compared Lando Norris with Ayrton Senna. But I was just talking about Senna, because Max has now become world champion more often.”

Christian Horner has all but confirmed that Sergio Perez won’t be returning to Red Bull as an F1 driver next year.

The Mexican has endured a dismal season on the track and has fallen to eighth in the standings after another substandard weekend at the Qatar Grand Prix.

“Checo’s contributed a huge amount to this team in the four years that he’s been here,” explained the Red Bull boss in Qatar. “The world championship that Max achieved in ‘21, the constructors’ world championships in ‘22 and’ 23. And obviously this year has been particularly hard.

“He’s won five Grands Prix for us and he’s had some outstanding performances in races like Singapore, Azerbaijan, Saudi Arabia, to name a few.

Everybody holds Checo in the highest of regard and respect, but obviously the situation that we’re in is as painful for him as it is for the team.”

Max Verstappen has revealed that he will skip Red Bull’s post-season testing in Abu Dhabi.

“No, I’ve skipped that one for a while,” he said. I’m not even going to watch. I wish them good luck.”

Esteban Ocon has reacted to being released by Alpine ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Frenchman has been given permission to leave one race early to participate in post-season testing with new team Haas.

The 28-year-old wrote on X: “I would like to first and foremost thank the mechanics and engineers across all functions at the track, Enstone, and Viry-Chatillon who have raced alongside me these last five seasons. We have shared so much together, and I am proud to call many of you my friends.

“It has not been an easy year on track for the team and the second part of the season has been especially difficult. For various reasons. I do not regret a single thing knowing I gave it 100 per cent every single session. Like I always have.

“To the hundreds of hard-working men and women at Enstone and Viry, I apologise that I will not be able [to] come see you in person and have a proper farewell. As you know, the plan was always to race one last time this weekend and personally say goodbye to you all next week. I was looking forward to both of those things.

“This is not how I wanted things to end. That said, the world of F1 is small and I am sure I will see many of you again soon.

“I would also like to wish nothing but great things to my friend Jack as he takes this next big step in his career at this week’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.”

Formula One legend Jacques Villeneuve has blasted the Canadian Grand Prix, labelling it ‘disappointing and embarrassing’.

Speaking to Spin Casino, he said: “Often in May, the weather is better than June. It doesn’t make a difference other than it might be a better month. There’s a good chance of it being the beginning of summer in the heat when people really start going.

“In that sense, May might be a better moment. Last year, the day after the race, Montreal felt like a ghost town. There were issues with traffic. It was like the government didn’t want the race there.

“It was awful, nobody was there. It felt like an abandoned city. It was the oddest thing. It was very disappointing, and embarrassing as well. So, May might be a much better time for everyone.”

Max Verstappen believes he would have been investigated “straight away” for the same offence Lando Norris committed at the Qatar Grand Prix.

The McLaren star was eventually handed a 10-second penalty for failing to slow under a double-yellow flag.

“Well, I mean, I knew that I lifted because I saw the double yellow,” Verstappen said. “And I know that, of course, if I wouldn’t have lifted, it would have been investigated straight away. So you’re just on it. I mean, yeah, I asked if he lifted because he had a DRS, I think, from a backmarker at the same time as well.

“So I just asked the team to check it. I mean, it was just a normal question. And I know, of course, with double yellows, they’re quite strict.”

Ex-world champion Jacques Villeneuve doesn’t think Cadillac will be a first-choice destination for drivers but believes the team will be inundated with offers once they come into the sport. The American outfit will become the 11th team in F1 ahead of the 2026 season.

“They will all be saying, ‘I am the perfect one to help you build your team’. It won’t be easy for them because a driver with the necessary experience at a top team would not be happy just to be part of building a team.

“It would not be a first-choice destination for any of the top drivers.”

The FIA are aiming to change their rules to limit the way their leaders can be held to account, according to the BBC.

Revisions to the statutes governing the audit and ethics committees have been sent to member teams for approval ahead of a vote later this month.

The changes would see future complaints about ethics dealt with by the FIA president and the president of the senate. The tweaks would also take away the power of the audit committee to investigate financial issues on their own.

Jenson Button has picked sides on the controversial decision which led to Max Verstappen’s brutal attack on George Russell. After winning Sunday’s Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen launched into an explosive tirade about Russell, saying he had lost all respect for the Mercedes driver.

Meanwhile, Russell said he feared the world champion would crash into him at the start of the race. Verstappen’s fury revolved around an incident which saw him lose pole position, which subsequently went to Russell.

After both drivers were called to the stewards’ room after qualifying, it was deemed that Verstappen had impeded Russell as both men prepared for quick laps in Q3 and was handed a one-place grid penalty.

While Verstappen’s rage was aimed at Russell, former world champion Button has slammed the FIA for the penalty which caused the row.

Addressing the incident on Sky Sports, Button exclaimed: “The problem for me is that he’s [Verstappen] got Fernando Alonso in front of him doing exactly the same speed.

“It’s not like Max has just gone, ‘You know what? I’m going to put the anchors on and hit the brakes right in the middle of a high-speed corner.’

“He’s got the same distance to the car in front the whole way through Turn 12, 13. It’s shocking to me that he got a penalty, it really is. It felt like it should have been the same as everyone else.”

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has confirmed that Mick Schumacher will depart the Silver Arrows at the end of the year. The German has been with Mercedes for the last two years as a reserve driver.

“Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as reserve driver has been vital for the team over the past two years,” Wolff explained.

“From his work in the simulator, testing of various cars, and being part of the trackside team, we couldn’t have asked for any more from him. From day one, he fitted into the team with ease and has become an incredibly well-liked colleague for everyone at Brackley and Brixworth.

“However, Mick is first and foremost a racing driver. We have seen from both his time in F1, and this year with his performances in the World Endurance Championship, that he is a racer of an incredibly high calibre and one that deserves to be competing in the very best championships.

“As he moves on to his next challenge, I would like to thank Mick personally for his contribution to our team and we all wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”

McLaren boss Zak Brown responded after being called out by Max Verstappen at the Qatar Grand Prix.

After taking the chequered flag, Verstappen mocked Brown on live TV by poking fun at his previous comments about his driving ability after the McLaren man suggested the 27-year-old could only win in the fastest car.

Verstappen took great pleasure in reminding Brown that he had been proven wrong during an interview on Sky Sports, joking: “Like you said before, I could only win it in the fastest car.”

Brown took the jibe in good humour, saying in his press conference: “A little joke like that, that’s part of it, isn’t it? It’s just a shame that people sometimes misjudge that.

“I said that he has now beaten my Senna guy and then I read again that I compared Lando Norris with Ayrton Senna. But I was just talking about Senna, because Max has now become world champion more often.”

Susie Wolff, the wife of Mercedes chief Toto Wolff, has praised Lewis Hamilton for being ‘hugely supportive’ as the Formula One star prepares for his final race with the team.

“Hugely supportive from the very beginning,” Wolff wrote on her Instagram story, attaching a photo of herself and Hamilton. “And [he] makes the effort to visit not because he is asked to but because he wants to! Thank you Lewis Hamilton.”

Susie, a former F1 test driver who now operates as managing director of the F1 Academy, married Toto in 2011 after two years of dating and they have a son together. Toto also has two other children from a previous marriage.

She has grown close with Hamilton throughout his time with the Silver Arrows, as Hamilton maintains a friendly working relationship with the motorsport power couple.

Max Verstappen has revealed that he will not be taking part in Red Bull’s post-season testing programme after this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Next Tuesday, a number of drivers will be involved in the regular post-season test but Verstappen will not be among them.

“I’ve skipped that one for a while,” said Verstappen when asked if he would be testing in Abu Dhabi. “I’m not even going to watch. I wish them good luck.”

Damon Hill has slammed Michael Schumacher’s former bodyguard after an alleged blackmail attempt on the Formula One icon’s family.

It is alleged that Markus Fritsche threatened to release files including photos and medical records after being dismissed from Schumacher’s inner circle.

“Is the Schumacher’s family tragedy not enough for some people? Jesus. Utterly disgusting. The lowest of the low,” Hill wrote on X.

Mercedes chief Toto Wolff has shot down keyboard warriors who make up “conspiracies” online.

Speaking after the Qatar Grand Prix, the 52-year-old labelled people spreading misinformation about the Silver Arrows as “idiots”.

And he explained: “I’ve never read comments. I just hear that this nonsense appears.

“You can talk at length about the toxic environment of social media, but I’ve always said it, you hide yourself behind a screen, you open up an account and then you put these comments. I wonder who would even have the time to comment.

“We love our fans – they contribute to what we are. And the other ones who believe that they need to create some crazy, made-up conspiracies, it doesn’t even bother me. They’re just idiots.

“They have no understanding. Probably never put a foot near a racing car, maybe not even a normal car. You need to show me some of that stuff, just for me to have a laugh.

“My message to the ones that feel free to give us their comments – ‘Nobody’s reading what you write’.”

Red Bull chief Christian Horner has all but confirmed that Sergio Perez won’t be racing for the team in F1 next season. The Mexican signed a new contract in the summer but has endured a dismal year on the track and has been responsible for just 152 of his team’s 581 points, with Max Verstappen bagging the rest.

Last weekend in Qatar, the driver was eliminated in the first part of Spring Qualifying and then failed to finish Sunday’s Grand Prix as he spun out on a Safety Car restart.

And Horner told Sky Sports: “Checo has been a wonderful driver for us. Certainly in 2021, 2022, 2023 – he contributed to Max’s championship in 2021 and the constructors’ in 2022 and 2023.

“Most of all, he’s a great guy. He’s not enjoying the situation he’s in at the moment. He knows the pressure of this business.

“We are going to give him all the support we can all the way to the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi. What he decides to do, that will be his decision at the end of the day.

“He’s old enough and wise enough to come to his own conclusions. There’s still a race to go.”

The 51-year-old then told members of the written media: “Checo’s old enough and wise enough to know what the situation is. Let’s see where we are after Abu Dhabi.”

That’s all folks. Thank you for following Express Sport’s Formula One coverage from across Monday after a hectic weekend of Qatar Grand Prix action.

Make sure to come back for more across the next few days as we gear up for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend.

Just one chance remains for drivers to top the podium this season, with Sunday’s race in Abu Dhabi the finale for the 2024 season.

Past winners of the Abu Dhabi GP have been…

2023 – Max Verstappen

2022 – Max Verstappen

2021 – Max Verstappen

2020 – Max Verstappen

2019 – Lewis Hamilton

2018 – Lewis Hamilton

2017 – Valtteri Bottas

2016 – Lewis Hamilton

2015 – Nico Rosberg

2014 – Lewis Hamilton

The only thing left to play for in Formula One this year is the Constructors’ Championship.

Here’s the standings ahead of the final race…

1st – McLaren (640pts)

2nd – Ferrari (619pts)

3rd – Red Bull (581pts)

4th – Mercedes (446pts)

5th – Aston Martin (92pts)

Max Verstappen has thrown his weight behind rival Lewis Hamilton ahead of the Brit’s switch to Ferrari.

Speaking to PA, he said: “I don’t think he will ever lose it. He has achieved so much.

“It is a new challenge for him next year. He will be very, very motivated to show he is a seven-time world champion. But it will depend on the material he has got.”

Bernie Ecclestone is reportedly set to sell off his multi-million-pound car collection.

It’s claimed the 94-year-old will sell off a collection worth around £300million, which includes several one-of-a-kind vehicles.

Just one race of Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes career remains, but Ferrari don’t have any concerns about his form ahead of the switch.

Speaking after the Qatar GP about worries Hamilton has passed it, Fred Vasseur said: “Not at all

“Look at the 50 laps he did in Las Vegas where he started 10th and finished second, on the gearbox of Russell. I am not worried at all.”

Lando Norris is confused as to why he was given a time penalty at the Qatar Grand Prix.

Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, he said: “Honestly, I don’t know what I’ve done wrong at the minute.

“Apparently I didn’t slow under the yellow. I’m not an idiot, if I knew there was a yellow, I would have slowed down.

“I don’t know if I’ve missed it or just been dumb, but the rule is, if you don’t slow down under the yellow that’s the penalty, so it’s a fair penalty.”

Christian Horner has accused George Russell of ‘gamesmanship’, describing the Mercedes driver as ‘hysterical’ throughout the Qatar Grand Prix weekend.

“No, look, I think the penalty was more based on hysterics from George, who has been quite hysterical this weekend,” he said. “But, you know, that’s unfortunately… I think there was a little bit of gamesmanship going on in that.”

McLaren have confirmed that Ryo Hirakawa will replace Oscar Piastri for FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, making his first ever appearance at an F1 race weekend.

The Woking-based team also announced that IndyCar sensation Pato O’Ward will represent the team as the post-season young driver test, after completing FP1 in Mexico earlier this season.

The FIA has explained their reasoning for not throwing a virtual safety car or full safety car for the debris left on track after Alex Albon’s wing mirror became dislodged and landed on the home straight in Qatar.

“Normal practice is for the safety car not to be deployed if there is a small amount of debris, and off the racing line,” the statement from the FIA explained.

“The extensive debris after a car hit the mirror and the punctures that occurred shortly after forced the decision on a safety car. A VSC would not have been a solution, as the cars remain spread out and there is not sufficient time for a marshal to clear the debris.”

Toto Wolff has ripped into FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem after the Emirati official released a combative statement ahead of the Qatar Grand Prix.

“I mean generally, if you look at it in a positive way, it could have its own reality show with what’s happening at the moment,” Wolff joked in Doha.

“I think all of our stakeholders need to bear in mind that we need to protect this holy grail of a sport, that it is, and do it with responsibility and accountability and transparency. And it doesn’t come across like that.

“So I can’t look into the organisation. I understand what we are doing in trying to keep that together. But it’s good that the drivers are united in this bigger picture, like they’ve shown.

“Teams very much have an understanding of what we believe is right or wrong. And so everybody just needs to look in the mirror and say: ‘Am I contributing the best to this sport, or not?'”

Max Verstappen believed that if he was the one who didn’t lift under yellow flags in Qatar then it would have been ‘investigated straight away’. The Dutchman was on his team’s case after rival Lando Norris did not lift his foot off the throttle.

“I knew that I lifted because I saw the double yellow,” he explained. “And I know that, of course, if I wouldn’t have lifted, it would have been investigated straight away.

“So you’re just on it. I asked if he lifted because he had a DRS, I think, from a backmarker at the same time as well. And then, of course, when we came out of Turn One, I saw that he was a lot closer, so I just asked the team to check it. It was just a normal question. And I know, of course, with double yellows, they’re quite strict.”

Lewis Hamilton has low expectations for his final race as a Mercedes driver. The Brit crossed the line in P12 on Sunday following a weekend to forget in Doha.

“It could have been worse,” he said after the race. “I finished. And it is over. It was my fault at the start. The puncture was really unfortunate, and speeding in the pit lane, that was me there, too.

“I don’t think we are going to end on a high. I think… it will end. What is important is that we turn up, we give it our best shot.

“We don’t anticipate a much better weekend than we have had in the past weekends, but I will try. I will go in with low hopes and if I come out with a better result then great, but it doesn’t make a big difference. These last few races don’t have an impact on everything that I do.

“I am grateful I am still standing. I am still OK. I have had great races and I have had bad races in my life… not too many bad ones.”

Sergio Perez has explained his DNF from the Qatar Grand Prix. The Mexican driver span at a safety car restart, ending his day early.

Things were looking good at the time for me, I was sitting in P5 and we were in the mix for the podium,” he said. “Then as I was warming up the tyre, getting ready for the restart, I had a massive overdelivery as I was picking up the throttle out of turn 12.

“With cold tyres, I couldn’t control it, it basically meant I lost the car and then lost drive from that point onwards. It is quite disappointing to end up like this. There were some positive signs for me this weekend with performance and I think we have learnt a lot from the car this weekend and found good direction.

“I think the season hasn’t been great for me, there has been a lot of up and downs and we have a few things to review there. We are all in this together as a Team and we are trying to get our season back on track, hopefully, Abu Dhabi can do that and we can have a strong weekend.”

Alpine have confirmed that Jack Doohan will make his F1 debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, replacing Esteban Ocon one race early ahead of his rookie season.

In a statement released on Monday, Alpine explained: “BWT Alpine Formula One Team announces that Reserve Driver Jack Doohan will race in the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in place of Esteban Ocon. The change allows Esteban to be released to Haas to drive in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

“Jack, who has already been announced as an official driver for the 2025 season alongside Pierre Gasly, will race with the #61 as his registered Reserve Driver number and will also participate in the end-of-season test for the team at the Yas Marina Circuit.

“The team would like to thank Esteban for his time at the team and he will remain part of the team’s history achieving the first win for Alpine in Formula One. We wish Esteban the best for the future.”

Oliver Oakes has offered an update on Esteban Ocon’s Alpine future after reports emerged in Qatar that Jack Doohan will replace him for the final race of the 2024 season.

“I think there’s been a discussion, there’s not been a definitive answer yet, but it has been talked about,” Oakes said on Sunday.

“It’s slightly complex because as much as he is ours, he’s obviously contractually a Mercedes junior driver as well, and obviously he’d like to be released early as well.

“I think it comes from all sides really. I guess you could say it’s good to get Jack in early. I think you could say from Esteban’s side it’s good to move on early. I think it suits everybody. So I think the discussion is quite natural really. Honestly, Esteban’s been a big part of this team as well and, from both sides, it suits each other.”

McLaren have called for an inquiry into Lando Norris’ 10-second stop-go penalty at the Qatar Grand Prix.

The Brit was deemed not to have lifted off the throttle under double-waved yellow flags, which was called out by Max Verstappen on the radio.

“We expect that this case of applying such a severe penalty in this case will be reviewed by the FIA and there is certainly material for improvement,” said team principal Andrea Stella.

“We have expressed that we expect this case to be reviewed but we don’t want to enter in any comment in changes of racing director. We don’t have the elements to judge. We just trust the institution that is there to do this job.”

Red Bull have reportedly cooled off their interest in Franco Colapinto after a difficult run of races for the Argentinian prospect.

Williams’ latest recruit wowed the F1 paddock with his performances after replacing Logan Sargeant, scoring points in two of his first four starts, but since then his results have taken a turn for the worse.

According to a report from PlanetF1, Red Bull are no longer considering Colapinto for a seat in either the senior team or VCARB next season.

“He, for sure, is a talent that’s looking to earn his permanent place in Formula One,” Christian Horner said in Qatar.

“We have a great pool of talent within the Red Bull junior team, and I’m sure Franco will find his way onto the grid in the future. You’re always keeping your eye on what the market is in all teams but we have the strength and depth in the junior programme.”

Good morning and welcome to Express Sport’s rolling F1 news coverage. We’ll keep you up to date with all of the latest stories as we dress down the Qatar Grand Prix and prepare for the season finale.