Featured image credit: CM.com
Circuit Zandvoort will stage its last Dutch Grand Prix of the modern era in 2026, after organisers elected to sign a one-year contract extension and exit amid the challenges of delivering what has been a hugely successful return to Formula 1.
The motorsport championship returned to the Netherlands for the first time in 36 years in September 2021, with TheStadiumBusiness at the time spotlighting how cloud software company CM.com set out to deliver a truly digital-first, mobile-centric fan experience.
However, F1 and the Dutch GP promoter have today (Wednesday) announced a one-year contract extension which will see Circuit Zandvoort remain on the Formula 1 calendar through the 2026 season before departing the calendar.
The grand prix weekend, fuelled by the local interest in now four-time world champion Max Verstappen, has become known for its fan experience, with Dutch fans and international visitors alike gathering to watch Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, F1 Academy and more, around the iconic banked corners of Zandvoort.
It has also established itself as a leading sustainable sporting event, pioneering technologies that are now used across the Formula 1 calendar.
Today’s news comes after talks in recent months between local organisers and F1 amid Zandvoort’s place on the calendar amid the introduction in the future of what is expected to be a rotation policy for certain European races, as the series seeks to accommodate growing global interest in staging races.
Robert van Overdijk, director of the Dutch Grand Prix, admitted that funding was a key factor behind today’s announcement, indicating that a proposed move by the Dutch government to increase VAT on event tickets had made things more challenging.
Van Overdijk said: “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. 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.”
Stefano Domenicali, president and CEO of Formula 1, added: “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.”
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