Finish line for Dutch Grand Prix in 2026

Article posted by Coliseum, December 13^th, 2024

Image: Circuit Park Zandvoort, dronepicr, CC BY 2.0

Organisers of the Dutch Grand Prix have said that the Zandvoort Circuit will host its final Formula 1 race in 2026.

EU Today said that in a surprising revelation, Robert van Overdijk, the CEO of the Zandvoort Circuit, confirmed that the decision was made entirely by the organisers themselves.

The Dutch Grand Prix will conclude at its peak, after four successful editions, with two races still to go. This marks the finale of an extraordinary chapter in Dutch sports history, significantly raising the bar for future events worldwide.

London (UK)-based Formula One, commonly known as Formula 1 or F1, is the highest class of international racing for the open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile.

Paris (France)-based the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA – International Automobile Federation) is an international organization and the governing body for many international motorsport championships and disciplines including Formula One.

The organization of the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix has now announced that the 2026 edition will be the final one.

The announcement comes at a time when Zandvoort has been thriving as a key venue on the Formula 1 calendar. After a 36-year hiatus, the circuit returned to the championship in 2021, coinciding with the meteoric rise of Dutch driver Max Verstappen.

Van Overdijk 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 F1 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.”

Since its comeback, Zandvoort has established itself as a fan favorite, blending the charm of a classic track with modern upgrades.

Nestled in the dunes of the Dutch coast, the circuit’s unique layout, featuring banked corners and tight twists, offers a thrilling challenge for drivers and has consistently delivered entertaining races.

Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of 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.”

Sporting director Jan Lammers reflected on the impressive journey: “What we have achieved together is unprecedented. Many doubted whether this event could be made possible, but almost all drivers are fans of the circuit and praise the atmosphere.

“For fans from home and abroad, we have created a unique experience at one of the most beautiful and challenging locations. Perhaps more importantly, the Dutch Grand Prix has positioned itself as one of the largest sporting events in the history of the Netherlands, on par with iconic races in cities such as Monaco, Las Vegas, and Melbourne.

“Now we are fully focused on the 2025 edition and look forward to the sprint race in 2026. Demand for tickets is strong again, and interest from the business sector is doing very well, just like in previous years. The 10,000 available business hospitality packages for 2025 are nearly sold out.”

The very last edition in 2026 will undoubtedly be a special finale, not least because of the addition of F1 Sprint that year. The exact date for the final edition in 2026 will be announced by Formula 1 throughout the next year.

In 2025, the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix will take place from August 29 to 31.

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