F1 returns to Zandvoort for the final Dutch Grand Prix

Formula 1 emerges from its traditional summer break this weekend for the 12th round of the 2026 season — the Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort — and for the first time, the event comes with a sense of finality. This year's race will be the last Dutch Grand Prix, marking a farewell home event for local hero Max Verstappen.

Championship battle tightens at the top

Kimi Antonelli continues to lead the drivers' standings by 50 points from Lewis Hamilton, while George Russell sits nine points adrift of Hamilton in third. However, a win for Lando Norris last time out in Hungary pointed to an increasingly tight battle among the top four teams, meaning it could be all to play for as the second half of the campaign begins.

When is the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix?

Free Practice 1 kicks off the weekend on Friday, August 21, at 1230 local time, with Sprint Qualifying following at 1630. The F1 Sprint takes place at 1200 on Saturday, August 22, ahead of Qualifying at 1600 — before the Grand Prix itself gets underway at 1500 on Sunday, August 23.

How to watch

Fans can enjoy coverage from every session live on F1 TV Pro (available in selected countries), which brings viewers closer to the action via exclusive features like onboard cameras on all 22 of the drivers' cars, plus access to both Pre-Race and Post-Race Shows. F1 TV Pro can be streamed easily via Apple TV, Chromecast (Generation 2 and above), Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV and Roku, and is free of ad breaks with commentary in six languages.

For those wanting the premium experience, F1 TV Premium invites fans to step into the heart of the action with the ability to watch races in 4K Ultra HD/HDR on up to six different devices, as well as a personalised Multiview feature available on select devices with 26 different feeds to choose from. Viewers can watch every F1 Grand Prix, F1 Sprint, Qualifying and practice session live in 4K Ultra HD/HDR at home, with F2, F3, F1 ACADEMY and Porsche Supercup sessions also available live on the platform. Live timing is available on F1.com and the F1 app across every session.

A circuit steeped in history

Circuit Zandvoort has hosted the Dutch Grand Prix since its inaugural F1 race back in 1952. Formula 1 remained a regular visitor to Zandvoort until 1985, before the track made its return to the calendar in 2021. Known for its undulating layout, the venue poses a serious challenge — one mastered by several names on the current grid. Verstappen claimed three consecutive victories at the circuit before Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri won in 2024 and 2025 respectively.

Weather outlook

Mild conditions are expected when the weekend kicks off in Zandvoort, though there is currently a 60 per cent possibility of rain during Friday's track action. Similar weather appears to be in store on Saturday and Sunday, albeit with a decreasing chance of showers.

F1 ACADEMY also in action

F1 ACADEMY resumes its 2026 season this weekend, with Alisha Palmowski leading the standings ahead of Round 4. Free Practice takes place at 1400 local time on Friday, August 21, while Qualifying and the Reverse Grid Race follow on Saturday, August 22 at 0920 and 1435 respectively. The F1 ACADEMY action in Zandvoort concludes with the Feature Race on Sunday, August 23 at 1030.