Lewis Hamilton has waved to a crowd of waiting fans as he drove a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time since joining the Italian team for the 2025 season

It can also suit the promoters. Zandvoort’s decision to stop hosting F1 after 2026 points to the pressures — and costs — involved in staging a race. Spa looked in serious doubt just a few years ago, and while the interest from the local stakeholders has certainly taken an uplift since then, a couple of off years may actually suit the track.