It’s now official: the Dutch Grand Prix will have its final edition in 2026, after which it will leave Formula 1. What does the future hold for other circuits? Who will take its place?
The announcement this morning sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 world. As the circus gears up for a thrilling finale in Abu Dhabi, with an intense battle for the Constructors’ Championship, breaking news emerged from the Netherlands: the Dutch GP at Zandvoort will no longer be part of the F1 calendar after 2026. This means the next two editions (2025 and 2026) will mark the end of a relationship that has never been entirely smooth between the Dutch sporting body and Formula 1, now irreparably compromised. Event organizers at Zandvoort rejected Stefano Domenicali’s recent proposal to rotate European Grand Prix venues.
This proposal may have been just one of several factors leading to the split between Zandvoort and F1. Many fans have often criticized the “boring” races seen at the Dutch GP. Zandvoort returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 but will depart after just six editions.
Robert van Overdijk, the event organizer, commented:“We are a privately owned and operated company, and we must weigh the opportunities of continuing to host the event against other risks and responsibilities. We’ve decided to end on a high note with two more incredible Dutch Grand Prix events in 2025 and 2026. This step comes while our event is loved and supported by passionate fans”. “
For the Netherlands, this is a significant blow, but perhaps less so for F1 and many fans.
Who will replace the Dutch GP?
The Dutch GP’s cancellation after its 2026 renewal creates a prime opportunity for numerous tracks on F1’s “waiting list.” Recently, discussions have revolved around the Madrid GP and its associated issues, which were swiftly dismissed by Stefano Domenicali. The Spanish GP in Madrid is set to join the F1 calendar in 2026, but it remains unclear whether it will alternate with the existing Barcelona GP. Should Spain host only a single race, an opening in the 24-race schedule could arise. Who might seize this chance?
Currently, the battle appears to be between two African candidates: Rwanda and South Africa, both vying to secure the slot left vacant by Zandvoort. However, Domenicali has not ruled out the possibility of a return to two historic venues, which remain fan favorites. Talks have persisted about reviving the German GP at Hockenheim and a dramatic return to Sepang in Malaysia.A German comeback seems more likely than a Sepang revival, as the Malaysian track is already committed to MotoGP and its affiliated series, making scheduling a challenge. Istanbul Park and Portimão are almost certainly out of contention.
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