Formula One has announced the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will drop off the calendar after its final running in 2026.
F1 returned to Zandvoort, on the outskirts of Amsterdam, in 2021 as it bid to capitalize on the huge swell of interest and fandom around Dutchman Max Verstappen.
But after recent uncertainty from the promoters of the race about continuing to host F1 long-term, it has now been confirmed that 2026 will be the last Dutch Grand Prix. F1 said this was the decision of the promoter.
A one-year contract extension has been signed to cover the 2026 race, which F1 said would “celebrate” the event and also include a sprint race for the first time.
“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,” said Robert van Overdijk, the director of the Dutch Grand Prix.
“We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026. We wanted to take this step while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents, and the Formula One community. I want to thank Stefano Domenicali and all the team at Formula One for the hard work that has seen multiple contract extensions realised and the Dutch Grand Prix be such a success.”
Zandvoort has widely been regarded as one of the best-run events on the F1 calendar, including a focus on sustainability by making fans travel via public transport, as well as putting on concerts and entertainment at the track to accompany the on-track action.
Domenicali, the CEO of F1, said that “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.”
The departure of the Dutch Grand Prix comes at a time when F1 is already planning its future calendars, including date shifts for Monaco and Canada from 2026. Zandvoort’s exit means there will be a slot free on the calendar from 2027 for another event.
F1 will host its first race in Madrid in 2026 when the Spanish Grand Prix moves from Barcelona, but officials at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya remain eager to strike a deal to remain on the schedule.
There has also been interest from South Korea and Thailand about hosting F1 in the future, but both countries remain in the exploratory stage for any proposals.
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(Mark Thompson/Getty Images)
