Assen gives up on Dutch GP ambitions following F1 rejection.

      Formula 1 will no longer take place in the Netherlands after the last race at Zandvoort next month, as Assen has ruled out the possibility of replacing the Dutch Grand Prix. The TT Circuit had considered the option of taking over from Zandvoort, but management has opted against investing millions of euros in the Grade 1 license necessary to host Formula 1. "We have been informed that the chance of a Formula 1 race in Assen is zero until 2030 and particularly low thereafter," said circuit director Mark van Aalderen to De Telegraaf. He and circuit chairman Arjan Bos received this information directly from Louise Young, the chief race promotion officer for Formula 1. "We would have liked to do it," Van Aalderen acknowledged. "The TT Circuit has always maintained that if a promoter were to step forward to host a Formula 1 race, we would modify the circuit." However, Formula 1 has declined. "The management and board have thus decided against making the substantial investments required to secure a Grade 1 license," Van Aalderen explained. "Consequently, no F1 race can be arranged in Assen." Zandvoort chose not to extend its contract beyond 2026 due to the financial risks associated with holding the race without government backing. Assen will now focus its efforts on maintaining its position on the MotoGP calendar. "It’s a compliment that so many in Assen saw potential in hosting a Formula 1 race here alongside a MotoGP weekend and worked hard to make it happen," Van Aalderen noted. "The amount of support feels like an honor." However, he added, "We must be realistic: we would never recover the millions needed for circuit modifications. We would prefer to invest that money in ensuring our circuit remains worthy of MotoGP, as that will also require significant funding in the years to come."