Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort disappearing from F1 calendar after 2026
The Formula 1 in Zandvoort will end in 2026. The contract between the Formula One Management (FOM) and the circuit will not be renewed after that, the organization announced. The Dutch Grand Prix wants to stop while it is at its peak.
“There were various options on the table to continue,” Dutch GP director Robert van Overdijk told NOS. “We could rotate with other circuits, there were also possibilities to continue annually.” But ultimately, the Dutch GP decided to pull the plug. “We made a lot of considerations and this is the outcome. Ultimately, it is our choice. The F1 top may be surprised, but they certainly respect and understand us. They know how we have to work.”
Van Overdijk denied that Zandvoort was in danger of falling between the cracks due to fierce competition from other continents. Formula 1 is trying to get a bigger foothold in Africa and Asia, for example. And wealthy nations like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar annually push tens of millions into the event from their state coffers. As a result, more races in Europe are expected to disappear in the coming years.
“Of course, we see that happening,” Van Overdijk said. “The world of Formula 1 has changed. We know the factors, but they did not influence our decision. There were all kinds of variations on the table. We would certainly have come to an agreement on that.”
The end of the Dutch Grand Prix has to do with major financial risks, he said. The Netherlands is one of only two Grand Prix that are privately funded and have to survive without government support. “A sold-out house three days in a row is necessary for us to operate profitably. That line is thin. A one-off dip is not so bad, but we cannot afford to structurally attract fewer visitors.” Though Van Overdijk stressed that the surprise exit was not a disguised attempt to get government support. “We are definitely stopping.”
“We started this adventure with three relatively small parties. Nobody thought we would be able to do this. We have now completed four wonderful editions,” Van Overdijk said. He called the decision to stop a brave one. “You might say: if it is successful, you just continue, right? But it is a message from strength. We are going out with a bang. Of course, it also gives a melancholy feeling, but above all, we are proud.”
“In 2026, we will conclude an iconic era in Dutch sports history. Max Verstappen was, of course, the main attraction. As far as I’m concerned, the greatest Dutch sports hero ever. Let’s enjoy the fact that there are still two more race weekends to come.”
