The Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort will host its final event from August 21 to 23, 2026. This edition marks the last appearance of the Dutch Grand Prix on the Formula 1 calendar. For the first time, the Zandvoort circuit will also feature a sprint race as part of the weekend schedule.
The race weekend commences on Friday, August 21, with a free practice session scheduled from 12:30 to 13:30. This is followed by sprint qualifying at 16:30, which determines the grid for Saturday’s sprint race.
Saturday, August 22, will feature the sprint race at 12:00. Later in the day, the traditional qualifying session for the main Grand Prix will take place at 16:00, setting the grid for Sunday’s event.
The sprint race format, introduced to Zandvoort this season, involves a 100-kilometre race, typically lasting around 30 minutes. Points are awarded to the top eight finishers, with eight points for the winner, down to one point for eighth place. There are no mandatory pit stops during the sprint.
The decision to conclude the Dutch Grand Prix after the 2026 season stems from significant financial risks. The event’s promoter, DGP Race BV, a collaboration of SportVibes, TIG Sports, and Circuit Zandvoort, opted not to extend the contract beyond this year.
Reports indicate that staging the Grand Prix cost approximately EUR 70 million in 2024. Despite profitability, a EUR 20 million dividend was paid to shareholders in 2024, reducing the event’s financial reserves.
Race director Robert van Overdijk previously stated that the event’s profitability relied on consistently selling out for three consecutive days. He also noted that Zandvoort operates without government support, unlike some other European circuits.
The modern era of the Dutch Grand Prix began in 2021 after a 36-year absence. Max Verstappen secured victories in the first three editions from 2021 to 2023.
However, McLaren drivers have claimed the top spot in the most recent editions. Lando Norris won the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix, and Oscar Piastri took victory in 2025.
Max Verstappen has experienced a challenging first half of the 2026 season, currently seeking his first Grand Prix win. Red Bull Racing remains the only frontrunning team without a victory this year.
Verstappen is positioned sixth in the drivers’ standings, over 100 points behind Kimi Antonelli. Despite the team’s performance issues, he has achieved three podium finishes in the last four Grands Prix.
The Dutch Grand Prix is scheduled as Round 12 of the 2026 Formula 1 season, following the Hungarian Grand Prix and preceding the Italian Grand Prix.
