It was announced earlier this month that Zandvoort would host its final Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix in 2026.
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With a calendar set at 24 races per year, a place becomes available for that another circuit can organize a Grand Prix in just a few years.
What circuits could take Zandvoort’s place?
Rwanda
A strong candidate for a future Formula 1 race is Rwanda, which officially announced its candidacy this month. The country hosted the FIA awards ceremony in Kigali on December 13, where Max Verstappen also performed community service at an event for the development of grassroots motorsport.
Discussions have been underway to bring F1 to Rwanda for some time, and Alexander Wurz is designing a circuit near Kigali. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali says Rwanda presented “a good plan”.
F1 has not raced in Africa since 1993and several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, have expressed their wish to see the discipline return to the continent.
Kyalami
The South African circuit of Kyalami hosted F1 between 1967 and 1985 and from 1992 to 1993. Although it does not currently have certification FIA Grade 1needed to host F1 races, updates could make a return possible by 2027.
Istanbul
Turkey has not hosted a Grand Prix since 2021. The Istanbul Park circuit, popular with drivers, could make a return. Earlier this year, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with the Turkish president to discuss the potential return.
Qiddiya
Located in Saudi Arabia, the Speed Park circuit project in Qiddiya includes innovative elements and is expected to be completed by 2027. However, it might be too late to replace Zandvoort immediately.
Buenos Aires
Argentina, absent from the calendar since 1998could also be an option, especially with the enthusiasm of fans following the arrival of Argentine driver Franco Colapinto at Williams in 2024.
Hockenheim
With Audi officially joining F1 in 2026a return to Germany could be considered. Hockenheim, the last host of F1 in 2019, is benefiting from investments to modernize its infrastructure.
Barcelona
Although the Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled to move to Madrid in 2026, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya could temporarily return if needed. His contract ends in 2026.
The choice of the circuit that will replace Zandvoort will depend on the progress made by the different candidates, the available infrastructure, and the strategic priorities of F1. Another possibility is that F1 chooses to reduce the number of racesin response to concerns expressed by drivers and teams in the face of an increasingly busy schedule.
