One year contract extension for Zandvoort

There’s good news and bad news for fans of the Dutch Grand Prix.

While the race will remain at Zandvoort until 2026 after agreeing to a one year contract extension, it will then exit Formula One calendar altogether. The race returned to F1 in 2021 following a 36 year absence and extensive modifications to the circuit. It proved to be a happy hunting ground for home favourite Max Verstappen, who won the race three years in a row after its reintroduction to the calendar. This year’s race was won by McLaren’s Lando Norris.

Stefano Domenicali, President and CEO of Formula 1, said: “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. 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.”

Deciding to go out on a high

Despite consistently selling out with passionate Dutch fans, the Grand Prix has found it difficult to make the event work financially. Proposals had been made for races in the Netherlands and Belgium to alternate each year, however that idea was quickly shot down by those at Spa who wanted the circuit to continue to host a yearly race.

Robert van Overdijk, Director of the Dutch Grand Prix: “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.”

An already crammed calendar

Despite recent long-term contract extensions for Monaco and Monza, it has become increasingly difficult to accommodate races into an already crammed calendar. The 2024 F1 season is the longest in history with a record 24 races over 40 weeks.

A new circuit in Madrid - which will take over from Barcelona in 2026 and plans in Saudi Arabia are among some of the changes set to hit F1 in the coming years. There is also a desire for the sport to return to Africa and talks have been held with Rwanda about an event near Kigali. The South African Grand Prix in 1993 was the last F1 race to take place in the continent.

When is the 2025 Dutch GP?

Next year’s Dutch Grand Prix will take place from August 29 to 31 after the traditional summer break. The final event in 2026 will include a Sprint Race for the first time.

words: Mike Booth
pictures: Red Bull