The Dutch Grand Prix will conclude its modern era of Formula 1 at Zandvoort in 2026, as race organizers have agreed to a one-year extension to their current contract. This means there will only be two more races at the circuit before the event is discontinued.
The future of the Dutch Grand Prix had been in doubt for some time, with the current deal set to expire after 2025, and it seemed unlikely that a long-term extension would be reached. Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported on Wednesday that the agreement with Formula 1 is for a single additional year, concluding the event’s run.
F1 made its return to Circuit Zandvoort in 2021 after a 36-year hiatus, spurred by the rise of Max Verstappen. Originally set for a three-year contract through 2023, the deal was extended in late 2022 for two more years, running through 2025.
The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from August 29 to 31, while the date for the final race in 2026, which will feature a Sprint for the first time, will be confirmed next year.
Robert van Overdijk, Director of the Dutch Grand Prix, commented on the decision not to extend the event, saying: “While today’s announcement marks the end of a remarkable chapter, we are excited for the two final years of the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025 and 2026, including the Sprint race in 2026.”
“As a privately owned entity, we must weigh the benefits of continuing to host the event against the risks and responsibilities involved. We’ve chosen to conclude the race on a high note, with the event still beloved by fans, local communities, and the Formula 1 family,” he added.
The Dutch Grand Prix made its debut as an F1 World Championship event in 1952 and remained a fixture on the calendar until 1985, before disappearing from the schedule.
Afterward, the circuit hosted mainly European-level competitions, such as the Masters of Formula 3, but efforts to return it to F1 standards gained momentum following Max Verstappen’s debut.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
