F1 to host final Dutch Grand Prix in 2026

The Dutch Grand Prix will conclude its stint on the F1 calendar in 2026 after a final one-year contract extension was confirmed between Formula 1 and the event’s promoter, officially bringing the Zandvoort race’s run in F1 to a close with a Sprint celebration.

Rejoining the European lineup in 2021 after a 35-year hiatus, the Dutch Grand Prix thrived under home hero Max Verstappen’s championship reign, with the Orange Army flocking to the Circuit Zandvoort to catch a glimpse of their champion in action, while also being treated to a vibrant party atmosphere that few events can match.

Showcasing F1 as the main event, the Dutch GP has also played host to F2, F3, F1 ACADEMY and other events, with all drivers getting a taste of the circuit’s iconic banked corners and unique character across the weekend.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, sang praise for the coastal event, commending the Dutch Grand Prix promoters for their work in supporting motorsport at a developmental level while heightening event standards in terms of “spectacle and entertainment”.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing celebrate after winning the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix. Image: Mark Thompson/Getty Images // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool.

“I am incredibly grateful for the work that the team at the Dutch Grand Prix have done in recent years,” Domenicali said. 

“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.”

Year in and year out, the August event has succeeded in delivering an exciting race on Sunday, however, in 2026, the weekend is set to run as a Sprint event, meaning fans will be treated to an additional Sprint race on Saturday — the perfect way to say ‘tot ziens!’.

Some of the most memorable moments from the past four Dutch Grands Prix at Zandvoort include Max Verstappen’s win on the event’s return in 2021 — crucial in the tense championship battle, Lewis Hamilton’s impressive charge through the field in 2022, the wet weather chaos in the opening laps of the 2023 race, and in 2024, when Lando Norris ended Verstappen’s unbeaten streak at his home race.

The Circuit Zandvoort was also the scene of the crash that caused Daniel Ricciardo and Liam Lawson to momentarily trade positions in 2023, playing a huge role in the Australian’s dismissal and the Kiwi’s mid-season promotion to RB this year.

Lando Norris leads Nicholas Latifi and Lewis Hamilton through the Circuit Zandvoort’s iconic banked corners. Image: Steven Tee / LAT Images.

Robert van Overdijk, Director of the Dutch Grand Prix, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the race’s return in 2021, saying: “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.

The event’s Director added: “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.”

The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix will run across August 29-31, with the date for the final event in 2026, including a Sprint for the very first time in the Netherlands, to be announced next year.

Image: Alastair Staley / LAT Images

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