Dutch GP to host final race in 2026 before stepping away from F1

Formula 1 has announced the Dutch Grand Prix will get a one-year extension on its current contract before departing the sport as decided by the promoter. 

Feature image credit: Red Bull Content Pool

The Dutch Grand Prix which returned to the calendar in 2021, will remain on the calendar for another two years before stepping away from the sport, a decision made by the promoter. 

The Zandvoort circuit-based event joined the calendar which coincided with Max Verstappen’s dominance at Red Bull Racing where he has secured the title in each season the event has run, to date. 

During this tenure, the sport has featured races from several categories which include Formula 1, such as; Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy and the Porsche Supercup, and more.

The event is still contracted to feature on the calendar in 2025 but it will bow out of the calendar with a sprint race weekend in 2026, following its one-year extension, which will be revealed next year. 

BREAKING: Dutch Grand Prix has been extended to 2026

After much consideration and discussion, the decision has been taken by the promoter not to remain on the calendar after 2026#F1 pic.twitter.com/vXoTdkZgl0

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 4, 2024

On the announcement, Formula 1 President and CEO, Stefano Domenicali said: 

“I am incredibly grateful for the work that the team at the Dutch Grand Prix have done in recent years. 

“They raised the bar for European Grands Prix in terms of event spectacle and entertainment, supported the development of young talent by hosting F2, F3 and our F1 Academy series, and have also pioneered sustainable solutions that have inspired our events around the world as we drive towards being Net Zero by 2030.

“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.”

Despite success at the event, the decision to step away from Formula 1 after 2026 was made by the promoter after balancing the risks, responsibilities and opportunities for hosting the Dutch GP. 

As the promoter is a ‘privately owned and operated business’ they have opted to go out ‘on a high’ with two more race events in 2025 and 2026. The team have described the announcement as the end ‘of a monumental era.’ 

Let’s make history together! We’re adding 2026 as our final lap, including @F1 Sprint 🏁 With the 2025, and 2026 editions ahead, these final races will be more special than ever. The date for the final event in 2026 will be announced next year.

See you in Zandvoort 🧡

Read more… pic.twitter.com/p2rwhCUOaS

— Dutch Grand Prix (@f1dutchgp) December 4, 2024

“The Dutch Grand Prix is the result of a unique collaboration between SportVibes, TIG Sports, and Circuit Zandvoort, who shared the ambition of bringing the race back to the Netherlands,” commented Director of the Dutch Grand Prix, Robert van Overdijk. “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 that.

“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, 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. We wanted to take this step while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents, and the Formula 1 community. I want to thank Stefano Domenicali and all the team at Formula 1 for the hard work that has seen multiple contract extensions realised and the Dutch Grand Prix be such a success.”

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Kamron Kent

Hi, I’m Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion.

I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I’ve loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.

Kamron Kent

Hi, I'm Kamron. I created ApexMotorsports.co.uk in the dying embers of the 2021 Formula 1 world championship. It allowed me freedom to write whatever I wanted to write about which was all things motorsports, my passion. I have put a lot of effort in over the years to keep this website in its best shape and I've loved seeing the brand grow consistently, month-on-month, year-on-year. My ambition is to keep watching this brand grow into a primary outlet of news for all things motorsports whilst fueling my desire to pursue a career in sports journalism, specialising in motorsports.