The Dutch Grand Prix will no longer be on the Formula 1 calendar after 2026.
Despite the Zandvoort event and the popularity of Max Verstappen, a dark cloud had been hanging over the race for some time, as we regularly reported to you.
The existing contract expired in 2025 and was finally extended for a single, final year in an announcement today.
In recent months, Zandvoort circuit director Robert van Overdijk has warned that his negotiations with Formula 1 over the contract extension were difficult.
“Many contracts with circuits expire in 2025 and FOM will have to determine how many races it still wants to organize in Europe,” he said recently, adding that organizers were unable to pay more to continue hosting Formula 1.
“At the moment the risks are too great, but we are of course doing everything we can to see if a run after 2025 is still possible. It is clear that the situation is precarious.”
And finally, the chosen path was to extend for 2026, with the inclusion of a Sprint for the first time, but to stop afterwards. Even the alternation system could not save Zandvoort.
“I am extremely grateful for the work the Dutch Grand Prix team has done in recent years. They have set the bar very high for European Grands Prix in terms of spectacle and entertainment, supported the development of young talents hosting F2, F3 and our F1 ACADEMY series, and have also pioneered sustainable solutions that have inspired our events around the world as we strive to achieve Net Zero by 2030,” comments Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1.
“All parties have worked together positively to find a solution to extend the race, with many options including alternating or annual events on the table, and we respect the promoter’s decision to complete its incredible run in 2026. I would to thank the entire Dutch Grand Prix team and the municipality of Zandvoort who have been fantastic partners of Formula 1.”
Robert van Overdijk, director of the Dutch Grand Prix, added: “The Dutch Grand Prix is the result of a unique collaboration between SportVibes, TIG Sports and Circuit Zandvoort, who shared the ambition to bring racing 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 it.”
“While today’s announcement marks the end of a monumental era, we are confident that fans still have much to look forward to from the Dutch Grand Prix in 2025 and 2026, including the Sprint in 2026.”
“We are a private company and we have to balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event, against other risks and responsibilities. We have decided to finish on a high note with two more Grand Prix des Pays- Incredible lows in 2025 and 2026.”
“We wanted to reach this milestone, as our event is loved and supported by passionate fans, residents and the Formula 1 community. I would like to thank Stefano Domenicali and the entire Formula 1 team for the hard work that has gone into allowed us to realize multiple contract extensions and make the Dutch Grand Prix such a success.”
