After being in Formula One for forty-one years in total, the second era of Zandvoort comes to a close with the 2025 World Champion's win.
The circuit hosted grand prix from 1952-1985 and then again from 2021-2026, creating the two distinct eras separated by thirty-six years.
Lando Norris’s win at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix closed off Zandvoort’s second round of contracts and was the driver’s second win at the circuit. Previously Norris added his first win at the Dutch Grand Prix to his 2024 win tally, his second of four that year.
Not only does this victory make it two wins at Zandvoort for Norris but it also makes it back-to-back wins for him, his first two of the season.
Upgrades to Sway the Tide
McLaren brought new upgrades before the summer break at the Hungarian Grand Prix and the difference has been apparent, especially for the current World Champion.
The upgrade package included a revised floor and underbody design as well as a new rear wing. The improvements to the floor and underbody were aimed to aid in aerodynamic efficiency, specifically focused on cornering grip.
The change of pace was quickly accepted and greatly welcomed by the team, Norris saying on the team radio after his Dutch win “keep bringing upgrades”.
With the improvements Lando Norris’ name was etched in history as the last winner at Zandvoort circuit.
Dutch Grand Prix Heros
The circuit was well loved, especially by the local Orange Army who would come out every year sporting the national color in support of their home race hero, Max Verstappen.
This year the Dutch Grand Prix didn’t highlight Verstappen in the way that was wished for by him and his home crowd, with him crashing early on in the race and unfortunately logging it as a DNF for his last home race.
However in previous years Verstappen got to stand on the podium at home, on the top step three times in 2021, 2022, and 2023. He also placed second in 2024 and 2025, placing him on the podium at home five out of six grand prix hosted by Zandvoort in their modern era.
In more recent times the Dutch Grand Prix has been dominated by a different shade of orange, papaya, with the McLaren pair taking the top step in the three most recent races.
Between Lando Norris’ 2024 and 2026 wins at Zandvoort is his teammate Oscar Piastri who finished first at the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix as a part of his championship drive in the first half of the 2025 season.
Changing Calendar
With the return of the Portuguese Grand Prix and Turkish Grand Prix in the upcoming 2027 season, Zandvoort was one of the races that was not extended in 2027 alongside Barcelona-Catalunya.
This shorter modern era of Zandvoort circuit’s history has been a fun ride for drivers and fans alike.
