The 2026 Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort will mark its final appearance on the calendar. The event, scheduled for August 21-23, 2026, will also host a sprint race for the first time at the Dutch venue. This decision concludes Zandvoort’s current contract with Formula 1.
The promoter of the Dutch Grand Prix opted not to extend its agreement beyond the 2026 season. This decision was driven by financial risks and the absence of government subsidies.
Circuit director Robert van Overdijk stated that Zandvoort operates as a privately owned business. It must balance opportunities against inherent risks and responsibilities. European races face competition from venues in other regions, such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which benefit from substantial state funding.
Van Overdijk highlighted that Zandvoort, similar to Silverstone, receives no government support. The circuit requires full attendance across all three days to ensure profitability. This financial model leaves a narrow margin for operation.
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix is one of six events this season to incorporate the sprint format. This format includes Sprint Qualifying on Friday, followed by a 100km sprint race on Saturday.
Sprint Qualifying consists of three mini-sessions: SQ1 (12 minutes), SQ2 (10 minutes), and SQ3 (8 minutes). Points are awarded to the top eight finishers in the sprint race, ranging from eight points for first to one for eighth.
The schedule for the upcoming weekend begins on Friday, August 21, with Free Practice from 12:30 to 13:30. Sprint Qualifying will commence at 16:30.
Saturday, August 22, features the Sprint Race at 12:00, followed by the Grand Prix Qualifying session at 16:00. The main Grand Prix race is scheduled for Sunday, August 23, at 15:00 local time.
Max Verstappen has a notable history at Zandvoort, securing victories in the first three editions of the revived Dutch Grand Prix from 2021 to 2023. He finished second in both the 2024 and 2025 races.
Verstappen now has one final opportunity to equal Jim Clark’s record of four Dutch Grand Prix wins. Clark achieved his victories in 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1967.
Lando Norris claimed victory at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, breaking Verstappen’s winning streak at the circuit. Oscar Piastri won the 2025 edition.
Formula 1 returned to Zandvoort in 2021 after a 36-year hiatus, largely driven by the popularity of Max Verstappen. The circuit has historically faced financial challenges, leading to its removal from the calendar in 1985.
The municipality of Zandvoort previously estimated an economic boost of approximately 26 million euros and 135 full-time jobs from an F1 weekend. Local businesses are now planning to emphasize business visitors and other racing events, such as Formula E, to mitigate the impact of F1’s departure.
