The revival of the Dutch Grand Prix has given F1 fans some recent unforgettable moments. Let's explore the history of the Circuit Zandvoort, its 35-year hiatus, and its long-awaited revival in 2021.
The revival of the Dutch Grand Prix has given F1 fans some recent unforgettable moments. Let's explore the history of the Circuit Zandvoort, its 35-year hiatus, and its long-awaited revival in 2021.
Formula One returns from its summer break on August 21-23, 2026, heading into the sand dunes of North Holland for the Dutch Grand Prix. It's also a Sprint weekend, marking the first time that the Circuit Zandvoort will host an F1 Sprint race.
However, the 2026 Dutch GP will be the last in Zandvoort, at least for the foreseeable future. Unlike most circuits, Zandvoort isn't financed by the government. With local promoters deciding not to seek a contract extension, F1 is leaving the dunes after the 2026 season.
If this is really farewell, the Dutch GP is leaving F1 with amazing memories. If you're in doubt, ask the man, Max Verstappen, himself. Even with his future still undecided, the Dutch man would love to make another unforgettable mark at Zandvoort.
The circuit that's built in the dunes
Designed by members of the Royal Dutch Motorcycle Association, Zandvoort opened its circuit in 1948. It sits in the dunes, about 35 kilometers west of Amsterdam.
In 1952, the Dutch Grand Prix officially became an F1 World Championship race. Ferrari's Alberto Ascari won, with his two teammates Giuseppe Farina and Luigi Villoresi rounding out the podium places.
Since then, Circuit Zandvoort has been redeveloped over the years. Today's modern track spans 4.259 kilometers, making it one of the shortest circuits in the current F1 calendar. Typically, drivers take 72 laps to cross the checkered flag in Zandvoort.
In 2025, McLaren's Oscar Piastri set the best qualifying time ever at Circuit Zandvoort, with a record lap time of 1:08.662.
The Dutch GP boasts an extremely fast track, although even small mistakes can quickly become race-ending. There are 14 corners in the circuit, highlighted by these famous turns.
- Turn 1: Tarzanbocht is arguably Zandvoort's most famous corner. It's a wide, 180-degree hairpin at the end of the pit straight. Most overtakes are done here, as drivers can take either the inside or outside line, whichever presents the overtaking opportunity. It's where Verstappen overtook Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton to eventually win the 2022 Dutch GP.
- Turns 2-3: After Tarzan, drivers plunge through the right-hander Gerlachbocht before climbing into the signature heavy banking at Turn 3. With the road changing elevation and direction, it's a challenging orientation for drivers. You could ask Daniel Ricciardo, who didn't immediately see Oscar Piastri stopped on Turn 3 and crashed into the wall to take avoiding action.
- Turn 14: The sweeping right-hander of Arie Luyendykbocht is the final corner of Zandvoort. It was rebuilt in 2020, creating another signature banking on the track. This gives cars a massive speed boost onto the straight leading to Turn 1.
The last Dutch Grand Prix winners
Since its revival in 2021, Red Bull has largely dominated in Zandvoort, with Max Verstappen enjoying a massive home crowd support. But McLaren has stolen his thunder most recently.
- 2025: Oscar Piastri, McLaren
- 2024: Lando Norris, McLaren
- 2023: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- 2022: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- 2021: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
The most memorable races in the history of the old and new Zandvoort
1967: Jim Clark's fourth Dutch GP victory
Driving his new Lotus 49, which debuted during that weekend, Jim Clark won his fourth and final Dutch Grand Prix on June 4, 1967. He remains the winningest driver in Zandvoort, crossing the checquered flag first in 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1967.
1985: Niki Lauda wins his final GP
Having announced his retirement from F1 after the 1985 season, Niki Lauda bade farewell to Zandvoort in dramatic fashion. Lauda started 10th on the grid, climbed to 5th by the end of the opening lap, and worked his way to the front. Alain Prost, his McLaren teammate, closed in during the final stages of the race. But Lauda held Prost off by just 0.232 seconds. Ayrton Senna finished third to form a legendary podium trio.
2021: Verstappen wins to announce F1's Zandvoort return
Three races after their infamous Silverstone collision, Max Verstappen started alongside Lewis Hamilton in the front row for the 2021 Dutch GP. Verstappen got off to an excellent start, pulling away from Hamilton almost immediately. Verstappen kept the lead and went on to win his home race, announcing Formula One's much-awaited return to Zandvoort.
2024: Lando Norris steals Verstappen's thunder
With Verstappen aiming for his fourth-straight home race win, McLaren's Lando Norris stole the thunder in the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix. He topped qualifying by 0.356 seconds, but had a poor start to the race. He allowed Verstappen to lead at Turn 1, but Norris stayed within range. With a more sustainable race pace, Norris attacked Verstappen on Lap 18, and made the overtake at Turn 1. Norris dominated and won the race by nearly 23 seconds over Verstappen.
