The Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix returns to Circuit Zandvoort from 21 to 23 August 2026 for the final time, bringing the curtain down on the seaside circuit’s modern era as a Formula 1 venue. Round 14 of the 2026 World Championship, this edition marks the first Sprint weekend held on Dutch soil, adding extra on-track action to what promises to be an emotional farewell for one of the sport’s most historic circuits.
What to Expect
The 2026 season represents a seismic shift in Formula 1, with entirely new power unit regulations delivering a 50:50 split between internal combustion and electrical power, alongside active aerodynamics and lighter, smaller cars. George Russell and Mercedes have emerged as early title favourites, while Max Verstappen, now racing Red Bull machinery powered by a Ford-branded in-house engine, will be desperate to deliver a memorable final Dutch Grand Prix for his home fans. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and debutants Audi and Cadillac all add intrigue to what is shaping up as the most unpredictable season in years.
Verstappen dominated the Dutch Grand Prix from its return in 2021 through 2023, winning three consecutive editions before Lando Norris broke the streak in 2024 and Oscar Piastri claimed victory in 2025. The tight, twisting Zandvoort layout, with its famous banked Hugenholtzbocht and Arie Luyendijkbocht corners, rewards car balance and driver confidence. The current race lap record stands at 1:11.097, set by Lewis Hamilton in 2021, while Oscar Piastri holds the outright track record of 1:08.662 from qualifying in 2025.
How to Watch
In the United Kingdom, Sky Sports F1 carries live coverage of all sessions across the weekend. In the United States, Apple TV holds exclusive broadcast rights for the 2026 season, with an F1 TV subscription bundled at no extra cost. Selected practice and qualifying sessions are also available via Yahoo Sports and Tubi in the US. In the Netherlands, Viaplay provides live coverage, while F1 TV Pro is available in numerous territories worldwide. The race is scheduled for 15:00 CEST (14:00 BST, 09:00 ET) on Sunday 23 August.
Venue and Tickets
Circuit Zandvoort sits among the sand dunes of North Holland, just a short train ride from Amsterdam. The venue holds approximately 105,000 spectators per day, with total weekend attendance reaching around 315,000. Weekend tickets for 2026 are sold out, reflecting both the popularity of the event and its status as the final Dutch Grand Prix for the foreseeable future. Limited tickets may remain available through official resale platforms and the Dutch Grand Prix website at dutchgp.com.
History of the Dutch Grand Prix
The first race at Zandvoort took place in 1939, with the permanent circuit opening in 1948. The Dutch Grand Prix joined the Formula 1 World Championship calendar in 1952 and remained a near-permanent fixture through 1985, when Niki Lauda won the final race of that era. Jim Clark holds the record for most Dutch Grand Prix victories with four wins between 1963 and 1967, while Jackie Stewart, Lauda, and Verstappen each have three. After a 35-year absence, the race returned in 2021 to a rapturous reception, driven largely by the enormous popularity of Verstappen and the passionate Dutch fanbase known as the “Orange Army”.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix take place?
The race weekend runs from Friday 21 August to Sunday 23 August 2026, with the Grand Prix scheduled for 15:00 CEST on Sunday.
Is this the last Dutch Grand Prix?
Yes. The 2026 edition is confirmed as the final Formula 1 race at Zandvoort, with the circuit dropping off the calendar from 2027.
Are tickets still available?
Weekend tickets are sold out. Some Super Friday tickets may still be available through dutchgp.com.
Who won the Dutch Grand Prix last year?
Oscar Piastri won the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix for McLaren.