The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort
A sea of orange at a seaside dune circuit — August 21–23, 2026, and Zandvoort's last time on the calendar for now
The Dutch Grand Prix returns to Zandvoort August 21–23, 2026 — and for the first time in the circuit's modern F1 history, it's a Sprint weekend, with Sprint Qualifying Friday, the Sprint Race Saturday morning, Grand Prix Qualifying Saturday afternoon, and the 72-lap Grand Prix itself on Sunday. It's also confirmed as Zandvoort's final appearance on the calendar for now, with the circuit dropping off for 2027 — genuinely a last-chance-to-see moment for a race with one of the most distinctive atmospheres in F1.
Quick facts
The orange crowd
Home-nation support at Zandvoort is on another level from most F1 races — grandstands turn almost entirely orange, and the atmosphere (chanting, flares, a specific bank of seats known for its party energy) is closer to a football match than the more reserved crowd culture at many European circuits. Even as a neutral, it's worth experiencing at least once for the atmosphere alone.
The circuit itself
Zandvoort is a genuinely old-school, narrow track threaded through coastal dunes, with banked corners (a rarity in modern F1) that reward late braking and punish mistakes — there's very little run-off in places, which makes for a demanding, technical layout drivers generally rate highly compared to newer, more sanitized circuits.
Getting there from Amsterdam
Zandvoort is a straightforward day trip from Amsterdam — direct trains run to Zandvoort aan Zee, with a walk or shuttle to the circuit from the station. Most visitors base themselves in Amsterdam rather than Zandvoort itself, given the short, easy rail connection and Amsterdam's far larger range of accommodation.
Practical tips
- —Since this is a Sprint weekend for 2026, there's genuinely more on-track action across all three days than a standard weekend — worth attending Friday and Saturday, not just raceday Sunday.
- —Base yourself in Amsterdam and day-trip in by train — Zandvoort town itself has limited accommodation and it books out fast for the GP.
- —If the atmosphere matters to you, general admission dune areas around the circuit offer a different, more relaxed viewing experience than the grandstands, at a lower price.
- —Given this is Zandvoort's last confirmed race for now, book earlier than usual — demand for what's being framed as a farewell edition is likely to run higher than a typical year.