F1 to host final Dutch Grand Prix in 2026

Zandvoort to disappear from the calendar after 2026

Formula 1 will hold its final Dutch GP of the modern era in 2026, with race organisers having agreed to just a single-year extension to its current contract.

It means that there will be just two more events hosted at Zandvoort before the curtain will be brought down on the event.

The future of the Dutch Grand Prix had been uncertain for some time, with the current contract expiring after the 2025 edition and it appearing unlikely that there would be another long-term deal put in place.

Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf first revealed on Wednesday that the deal signed with FOM will be for just a single more year to be added on to the current deal before time is called on the event.

F1 returned to Circuit Zandvoort in 2021 after a 36-year absence, with momentum for a deal having been triggered by the success of Max Verstappen.

It was initially scheduled for three years until 2023, but at the end of 2022 the contract was extended for another two years (2024 and 2025).

In recent months, there have been busy negotiations between the organisers and F1 chiefs.

One of the sticking points, however, was funding, with director Robert van Overdijk indicating that a plan by the government to increase VAT on event tickets had made things harder for it.

Several scenarios were discussed to help secure a better future for the event, including also a rotation system with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. The idea would have been that the two races would then alternate annually – which would help better spread the financial allocation and ensure eager interest from fans.

However, it appears that Dutch GP chiefs did not want to go down this route so have instead elected to call time on things after 2026.

Speaking about the decision not to continue, Robert van Overdijk, Director of the Dutch Grand Prix, said: “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 the 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. We wanted to take this step while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents, and the Formula 1 community.”

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali said he respected the call made by the Dutch GP organisers not to continue with the event.

“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,” he said.

“I want to thank all the team at the Dutch Grand Prix and the Municipality of Zandvoort who have been fantastic partners to Formula 1.”

The Dutch Grand Prix first held an F1 world championship round back in 1952, and was a mainstay on the calendar until 1985 before falling off the schedule.

The track became more known for European-level events, including the Masters of Formula 3 meeting, before efforts to bring it back to F1 standards intensified after Verstappen’s debut.

In this article
Mike Mulder
Formula 1
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