The winner, Netherlands Formula One driver Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing, celebrates with the trophy on the podium after the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Qatar at Lusail International Circuit in Lusail, Qatar, on December 1, 2024. (Photo by Noushad Thekkayil/NurPhoto via Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
Formula 1 aficionados are bracing for a significant change as F1 bosses have confirmed the Dutch Grand Prix’s departure from the race calendar after its final contract extension. The iconic Circuit Zandvoort, nestled on the coast of the Netherlands, made a comeback in 2021 following a 35-year absence.
Despite securing its place until 2026, it’s been revealed that will be without a home race post-2026, a decision attributed to the event’s promoter.
Robert van Overdijk, Director of the Dutch GP, commented: “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.”
ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS – AUGUST 25: Race winner Lando Norris of Great Britain driving the (4) McLaren MCL38 Mercedes passes fireworks and the crowd on the slow down lap during the F1 Grand Prix of Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on August 25, 2024 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images) (Image: Getty Images)
He added, “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.”
F1 bosses are exploring new event opportunities outside of Europe, leaving the Zandvoort race potentially having to share a spot on the calendar. It was previously suggested that it could feature bi-annually, alternating with the Belgian Grand Prix.
The likely departure of Zandvoort is expected to be good news for Spa-Francorchamps, one of F1’s most iconic and historic tracks. However, both Spa-Francorchamps and the Imola circuit, which hosts the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, only have contracts to feature on the annual calendar until 2025.
This means they may still have to share a slot or one could vanish entirely. Currently, Imola appears to be in the most danger.
Italy currently hosts two events per year, the other being the official Italian Grand Prix at Monza, which was confirmed last month to remain an annual race until at least 2031.
With increasing global interest in hosting an F1 race, it may become challenging to justify a European country hosting two races per year.
This will briefly be the case with Spain in 2026 when the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix will be held alongside the current Spanish Grand Prix at Barcelona’s Circuit de Catalunya. However, the future of the latter event beyond 2026 remains uncertain.
In the quest for new racing venues, several nations have expressed their interest in joining the F1 calendar. The sport’s bosses are keen on an African comeback, with South Africa and Rwanda being considered.
Meanwhile, Turkey, Colombia, Osaka in Japan, Chicago in the US, and Qiddiyah in Saudi Arabia have all recently shown an interest in hosting a Grand Prix.