The race in Zandvoort has become known for its festival-like atmosphere alongside some great racing action from Formula 1, but also the support series of F2, F3, F1 Academy and more.
The venue rejoined the calendar in 2021 after a 36 year hiatus, but had also hosted F1 from 1952 in just the third championship year. Throughout the 1960s and 70s it remained on the calendar with wins coming for drivers like Jim Clark, Jack Brabham, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, James Hunt and Alain Prost, but after 1985 it fell off the schedule after the company running the circuit went out of business.
36 years later it returned, with Dutch driver Max Verstappen taking his first of three consecutive wins in front of his home fans the ‘orange army’. The 19-degree banked corners were added for this new era of the Dutch race in line with late FIA Race Director, Charlie Whiting’s idea, giving the track a rollercoaster-like feel for the drivers.
Max Verstappen’s streak of poles and wins at his home race was broken this year by Lando Norris, who took a dominant victory with an over 20 second win margin.
The race is known for its fan experience but its sustainability record is also impressive, with the promoter having piloted technologies that are now in use across the F1 calendar. The promoter was named the best and most sustainable F1 race organiser of 2023, with the introduction of a ‘smart grid’ in 2022, solar panels in 2023, and 98% of fans making their way to the track via public transport.
F1’s 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.”
The Director of the Dutch Grand Prix, Robert van Overdijk, said, “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.”
The 2025 race will take place from August 29 to 31, with the date for its final iteration in 2026 yet to be announced, though the event will include a Sprint for the first time.
