Formula 1 has confirmed that the Dutch Grand Prix will hold its final race at Circuit Zandvoort in 2026, following an agreement for a one-year extension to its current contract. This means the iconic event will see two more races before its conclusion.
The Dutch Grand Prix, which made its highly anticipated return to Zandvoort in 2021 after a 36-year absence, had its future in question for several months. With the current contract expiring after the 2025 race, uncertainty has arisen over whether the parties will reach a long-term renewal. On Wednesday, Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf revealed that the new deal would only extend the event by one additional year, closing out the modern era of the race in 2026.
Max Verstappen’s success drove the event’s revival in 2021, and the contract initially covered a three-year period through 2023. However, in late 2022, the agreement was extended for two additional years, covering the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
Negotiations between the race organizers and F1 have been ongoing, with one key issue being funding. Robert van Overdijk, Director of the Dutch Grand Prix, noted that a government proposal to raise VAT on event tickets had made securing a long-term future for the race more difficult.
The team discussed several options to ensure the event’s sustainability, including implementing a rotation system with the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. This would have alternated the two races annually to help manage financial challenges while maintaining fan interest. However, Dutch GP officials ultimately chose not to pursue this option, opting instead to bring the event to a close in 2026.
Van Overdijk shared his thoughts on the decision, saying, “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 with other risks and responsibilities. We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix.”
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali expressed respect for the organizers’ decision. “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 became a part of the F1 calendar in 1952 and remained a staple until 1985. After its removal from the schedule, the track hosted various European-level events, including the Masters of Formula 3. Efforts to bring the venue back to F1 standards accelerated after Verstappen’s debut, culminating in its return to the championship in 2021.
With two more exciting races scheduled for 2025 and 2026, Formula 1 fans can look forward to a memorable conclusion to the Dutch Grand Prix’s remarkable history.
