Formula 1 and the Dutch Grand Prix promoter have agreed a one-year contract extension that will keep Circuit Zandvoort on the Formula 1 calendar until the 2026 season. The promoter has decided not to continue on the schedule after 2026, following extensive thought and debate.

The resumption of the Dutch Grand Prix in 2021 coincided with an era of dominance for local star Max Verstappen, who has won the race three times and been named World Champion in each of the event's four editions. The event has become well known for its experience, with Dutch and foreign tourists alike converging to see the thrill of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy and other teams battle around the circuit's famed banked bends. It has also established itself as a premier sustainable sports event, pioneering technology that are now utilised throughout the Formula One season.

The 2025 edition of the event is scheduled to take place from 29 to 31 August. The date for the last race in 2026, which will feature a Sprint for the first time at the Dutch Grand Prix, will be confirmed next year. Tickets for the 2025 race are already being sold, and details on the 2026 final event will be released soon.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO, Formula 1, 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. I want to thank all the team at the Dutch Grand Prix and the Municipality of Zandvoort who have been fantastic partners to Formula 1.”

Robert van Overdijk, Director, Dutch Grand Prix, said, “The Dutch Grand Prix is the result of a unique collaboration between SportVibes, TIG Sports and Circuit Zandvoort, who shared the ambition of bringing the race back to the Netherlands. What we have achieved so far is undoubtedly a huge success. The appreciation from our visitors, drivers and teams has been unprecedented, and we are incredibly proud of that. While today’s announcement signals the end of a monumental era, we are confident there is plenty more for fans to look forward to at the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025 and 2026, including the Sprint in 2026. 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. We wanted to take this step while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents and the Formula 1 community. I want to thank Stefano Domenicali and all the team at Formula 1 for the hard work that has seen multiple contract extensions realised and the Dutch Grand Prix be such a success.”

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Recreatives Industries, the company behind the iconic MAX 6x6 Amphibious All-Terrain Vehicles, has announced a new partnership aimed at broadening its market reach. The manufacturer has signed a national representation agreement with TRL Outdoors LLC, known for Muddog Amphibious Vehicles. This collaboration is designed to accelerate the growth of the MAX dealer network while reinforcing the brand's ongoing push into utility, industrial and commercial sectors.

As per the agreement, TRL Outdoors will represent the full range of MAX vehicles across the entire country. The move is intended to strengthen nationwide coverage and foster a more structured and sustainable expansion of the dealer base. The representatives bring significant industry experience to the table, having previously worked with manufacturers of high-end industrial amphibious vehicles, whose prices often started well above USD 100,000. This background positions them to effectively introduce the more cost-effective MAX platforms to a market accustomed to substantially higher-priced equipment.

The agreement includes a framework of quarterly performance goals focused on integrating new dealers, increasing market share and enhancing brand visibility. This structured approach is intended to ensure growth is both disciplined and sustainable. With the upcoming availability of models like the MAX 4 and Buffalo, the company is confident that TRL Outdoors will be instrumental in penetrating new sectors. The core strategy hinges on offering capable amphibious performance at a price point significantly lower than many established industrial alternatives. This partnership represents a key step in the company's broader plan to solidify its dealer network and secure long-term, measured growth.

Andrew Lapp, CEO, Recreatives Industries, said, “This agreement aligns with our strategy of expanding deliberately and building a high-quality dealer network. TRL Outdoors has firsthand experience selling premium amphibious vehicles into demanding commercial environments. Their understanding of dealer development, combined with MAX’s proven designs and compelling value proposition, positions us well as we expand into new regions and applications.”

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Annick Jourdenais, Managing Director at LKQ SYNETIQ, marked International Women’s Day by rejoining the Automotive 30% Club (Auto30Club) as a Patron Gold member. A longstanding advocate for the organisation’s objectives, her renewed affiliation arrives at a critical juncture as the automotive industry contends with the challenges of electrification and sustainability. Her involvement underscores the critical need for greater female representation in senior leadership roles.

Jourdenais emphasises that the profound transformation occurring within the sector requires innovative thinking and collaborative leadership to build future-ready businesses. Central to this vision is enhancing diversity at the highest levels. At LKQ SYNETIQ, a joint venture focused on circular economy principles, the mission involves responsibly processing end-of-life vehicles and promoting recycled original equipment parts to reshape the automotive lifecycle. Success in this area depends on cohesive strategy among insurers, repairer and supply chain partners, as well as teams enriched by diverse viewpoints.

The company’s long-term strategy is built on developing capability, strengthening operational excellence and fostering a culture that encourages both challenge and innovation. Jourdenais views diversity not as an isolated objective but as integral to improving decision-making, building resilience and ensuring sustainable growth. Beyond her operational duties, her role on the European Women’s Network Steerco allows her to actively support career progression and representation across the business.

While acknowledging the positive momentum across the industry, she stresses that genuine advancement demands persistent effort and collective responsibility. Having first championed the business’s membership during her tenure as CFO at LKQ UK & Ireland, continuing this dedication in her current position holds significant personal meaning. She looks forward to collaborating with fellow Patrons to help cultivate an automotive sector that is both innovative and truly reflective of the diverse talent within it.

Jourdenais said, “The automotive sector is at a defining point. As we respond to electrification, resource pressures and rising sustainability expectations, we have an opportunity to redesign not only how vehicles are built and repaired but how our industry is led. Diverse leadership is fundamental to delivering that long-term transformation. I’m proud to re-join the Automotive 30% Club as a Patron at such a pivotal time for our sector. The scale of change underway across automotive demands bold thinking, collaborative leadership and a commitment to building organisations that are fit for the future. Increasing representation at senior levels is central to that ambition.”

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LKQ SYNETIQ, a leading entity in the UK vehicle dismantling and recycling sector, has appointed Justin Elliot as its new Sales Director. In this capacity, he will be responsible for advancing the company's commercial strategy and fostering market development. Elliot brings over 13 years of extensive experience within the LKQ group, Europe's foremost provider of vehicle parts and services. His background includes several senior directorial roles within the organisation's Bodyshop Division. He will retain his European strategic responsibilities as Head of Collision and Coating – Strategy & Innovation for LKQ Europe, alongside his new duties.

The company itself is a joint venture established this year between LKQ Europe and SYNETIQ Ltd, an IAA company. This collaboration merges LKQ's robust distribution network and aftermarket knowledge with SYNETIQ's proficiency in dismantling, reuse and remanufacturing. In 2024, this partnership resulted in the dismantling of approximately 27,000 vehicles across four UK locations. In his new role, Elliot is tasked with executing the sales strategy, concentrating on enhancing relationships with clients, supporting business growth and uncovering new opportunities within the repair and insurance markets. He will collaborate closely with marketing, operations and other teams across the wider LKQ structure to ensure a unified approach to the market and to scale the availability of recycled Original Equipment parts.

His appointment represents a significant step in the venture's ongoing efforts to expand its sustainable parts offering, enabling workshops, bodyshops and insurers to lower costs and minimise their environmental footprint throughout the repair process.

Annick Jourdenais, Managing Director, LKQ SYNETIQ, said, “Justin is a great addition to the LKQ SYNETIQ team, and his experience across the group will be invaluable as we continue to strengthen customer partnerships and support the growth of our recycled OE parts offering.”

Elliot said, “LKQ SYNETIQ has a significant opportunity to reshape how recycled OE parts are brought to market, supporting customers with solutions that are both commercially competitive and sustainable at scale. I’m looking forward to getting started in this role, with a focus on strengthening our sales execution and ensuring we are fully leveraging the capabilities across LKQ and SYNETIQ to expand our reach, unlock new customer segments and deliver a consistent approach to market.”

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SANY India, one of the leading heavy machinery manufacturers, and the National Academy of Construction (NAC) have concluded the first all-women excavator operator training programme in India. A batch of 22 women trainees received their professional certifications at a ceremony held on 6 March 2026 at the NAC facility in Pulivendula.

The initiative provided technical instruction on the SANY SY120 excavator. SANY India facilitated the machinery, designed the training syllabus and certified the NAC instructors to ensure the programme met industry requirements.

The curriculum focused on hands-on operation and global best practices for infrastructure equipment. Participants were evaluated and certified under the Infrastructure Equipment Skill Council (IESC) framework.

Key programme components included:

• Technical Instruction: Training on the operation and maintenance of the SANY SY120.
• Trainer Validation: NAC faculty members were trained and certified by SANY India prior to the programme.
• Employment Support: NAC will provide placement assistance to the 22 graduates for roles in the construction sector.
• Standardisation: Alignment with IESC certification to ensure nationwide employability.

The completion of the programme was timed to coincide with International Women's Day. Representatives from SANY India and the NAC attended the handover ceremony to mark the transition of the trainees into the professional workforce.

Sanjay Saxena, COO, SANY India, said, “At SANY India, we believe true progress is inclusive. By empowering women with world-class skills and certification, we are not only shaping careers but also strengthening India’s construction ecosystem. This Women’s Day-aligned batch symbolises opportunity, confidence and capability.”

Madhusudan Katragadda, Dealer Principal at Madhura Engineering, added, “It is truly an honour to be part of such a historic initiative. I sincerely appreciate SANY India and the National Academy of Construction for taking this bold step toward empowering women in the construction equipment industry. Excavator operations have traditionally been a male-dominated field, and this programme marks the first step in changing that narrative. Seeing these talented women successfully complete their training fills us with pride and optimism for the future of the industry. I encourage all the trainees to continue learning and growing – this certification is just the beginning. With dedication and experience, they can explore many opportunities within the sector, including roles in operations, sales and service engineering.”

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