The Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort concluded its six-edition run on Sunday, August 23, 2026, with Lando Norris securing victory. The event marked the final scheduled Formula 1 race at the seaside circuit, as organisers opted not to renew their contract beyond the current season.
The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, the twelfth round of the current Formula One World Championship, was notable for being the first at Zandvoort to feature a Sprint weekend. George Russell claimed victory in Saturday’s Sprint race, finishing ahead of Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris.
Norris then secured pole position for Sunday’s main race. The Grand Prix began on a damp track, leading to an early red flag after Max Verstappen crashed heavily at the banked final corner on the opening lap. Norris went on to win the race, marking his second consecutive victory this season and his second career win at Zandvoort.
Kimi Antonelli finished second for Mercedes, with teammate George Russell completing the podium in third position. Charles Leclerc recorded the fastest lap of the race. The total attendance for the weekend reached 305,000 spectators.
Organisers cited financial reasons and a lack of government subsidy as primary factors in their decision to withdraw from the calendar. Robert van Overdijk, director of the Dutch Grand Prix, stated the choice was entirely their own, despite Formula 1’s desire to extend the contract through 2028.
Van Overdijk emphasised the decision to ‘go out on a high’ to avoid future financial risks, preventing a scenario similar to the circuit’s departure in 1985 when it was deemed outdated. Former team principal Günther Steiner also pointed to the absence of government funding as a key issue.
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed gratitude for Zandvoort’s contribution, praising the event for setting a high standard for European Grands Prix. He highlighted the circuit’s pioneering efforts in sustainable solutions within the sport.
Despite the overall success, the final edition experienced some logistical challenges, including significant congestion for spectators at the main grandstand on Friday. Train delays on Saturday also caused some fans to miss the start of the Sprint race.
Sporting director Jan Lammers noted that while the event was a success, the Sprint race itself was considered by some to be unexciting, with limited overtaking opportunities. The circuit’s tight nature continued to make overtakes challenging during the main Grand Prix.
On Thursday of the race weekend, Max Verstappen announced a contract extension with Red Bull Racing until the end of the 2030 season. Domenicali described this news as the ‘cherry on the cake’ for the final Dutch Grand Prix weekend.
Carlos Sainz commented on the broader trend of Formula 1 moving away from its traditional European venues due to economic and political considerations. He suggested F1 should assist circuits like Zandvoort in remaining on the calendar.
The Circuit Zandvoort itself is expected to continue hosting other motorsport events, with plans to bring the all-electric Formula E series to the venue from 2027.
‘We are leaving this weekend not with the sadness of losing Zandvoort, but a positive at having done something unique, that will stay in the books of Formula 1,’ Domenicali stated.
