What makes the Dutch Grand Prix special – and why you should see it

The Dutch Grand Prix returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 and a 36-year hiatus. The coastal track at Zandvoort has seen plenty of action since.

First held in 1952, the Dutch Grand Prix has produced unforgettable moments over the years, including special victories, stunning overtakes, and shock collisions – who can forget Max Verstappen’s three home wins in a row.

Let's take a look at just some of the reasons why the Netherlands is so captivating.

The Orange Army

What really sets the event apart is more than just the circuit – it’s the culture that has grown up around it.

Four-time World Champion Verstappen didn’t just bring racing success to the Netherlands – he helped turn the sport into a national passion. His rise ignited a movement, a fanbase known as the Orange Army, whose presence at his home race has transformed the race weekend into something closer to a national celebration.

You’ll see whole grandstands and dunes awash in orange, donned with flags and with an atmosphere that gives the race its festival-like vibe.

When is the next Dutch Grand Prix?

The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix weekend begins on Friday 21 August, with the F1 cars on track for the only Free Practice session of the weekend before Sprint Qualifying later that afternoon. Saturday 22 August kicks off with the Sprint, followed by Qualifying for the Grand Prix. The Grand Prix itself takes place on Sunday 23 August, at 1500 local time.

Check out the RACE HUB to see when each F1 session starts in your local time zone, wherever you are in the world.

Why we love the Circuit Zandvoort?

‘Really quick’, ‘pretty insane’, ‘crazy’ and ‘old-school’ were words used by the current crop of F1 drivers when asked to describe the Zandvoort track that many of them tackled in their junior category days. We’d also add ‘undulating’ to that list.

The Zandvoort track swoops and flows through the sand dunes, creating a rollercoaster-like feel to the lap. And while the circuit was modernised in time for F1’s most recent return — including increasing the banking angle at the famous Tarzan corner to an Indianapolis Motor Speedway-trumping 18 degrees — Zandvoort remains a proper, challenging drivers’ track.

The weekend schedule is full of action and there's plenty to look forward to every day, with F1 Free Practice, Qualifying and the Grand Prix – plus the Sprint sessions – all supported by other categories. That means even more opportunities to see cars on track.

There’s fantastic live entertainment, enthusiastic support and a superb atmosphere.

During the day there's the stacked F1 Fanzone too, with activities, entertainment, and the chance to see drivers and team representatives live on stage.

Memorable moments in the Netherlands

The Dutch Grand Prix has served up some unforgettable standout moments throughout the years since first hosting an F1 weekend in 1952.

We couldn’t possibly list them all, but here’s a selection to whet your appetite…

1975 – A tense battle between James Hunt and Niki Lauda saw Hunt’s daring moves allowing him to just hold off Lauda and claim his first Grand Prix win.

1979 – Gilles Villeneuve thrilled the crowd with a flat-out drive on three wheels. After taking the lead with an outside pass on Alan Jones, a slow puncture spun his Ferrari, leaving him stranded – yet he battled back to the pits, earning applause from his mechanics as if he’d won the race.

1985 – Lauda turned a P10 start into a masterclass. After inheriting the lead from team mate Alain Prost, he fended off a late-race charge, holding the MP4/2B perfectly to win by just 0.232 seconds and equalling Jim Clark’s record of 25 victories.

2021 – After a three-decade hiatus, Zandvoort returned to the calendar with a blockbuster. A chaotic first lap in the rain reshuffled the field, but Verstappen claimed a sensational home victory, cheered on by the Orange Army.

How can I watch the Dutch Grand Prix?

Nothing beats being there! Head to F1 Tickets to secure your place and catch all the action in person. F1 Experiences has a great range of premium ticket packages too, getting you closer to Formula 1 than ever before.

For details of the broadcaster in your area, click here.

You can also watch the drama unfold via F1 TV Pro (in selected countries only).