Trackside at Zandvoort – 2026 Dutch Grand Prix

Information about entrance, race schedule, fan zone, concerts & more at Circuit Zandvoort for F1 fans attending the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix.

2026 Zandvoort F1 Tickets / F1 Experiences / Where to Stay / Zandvoort Facebook group

The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix is scheduled from August 21-23

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After an absence of 36 years, the Dutch Grand Prix returned to the Formula 1 calendar at Circuit Zandvoort in 2021. But it is set to be a short-lived stay, with the organizers recently announcing that the Dutch GP will leave the calendar after 2026. Zandvoort is a historic circuit that has benefited from significant investment associated with the return of the Dutch Grand Prix, but is limited by its compact size and location in the protected sand dunes next to the North Sea. This means that spectator areas can get very congested at peak times during race weekend. The good news is that the crowds are generally moving, if very slowly at times. The organizers’ have also put in place a well-executed mobility plan that encourages fans to arrive at the circuit by bicycle or public transport, and has banned most vehicles from local roads near the circuit on race weekend. Overall, the Dutch Grand Prix is one of the most well organized races on the current F1 calendar. On the downside, the weather next to the beach on the North Sea can be cold, wet and windy. Both of the last two races at Zandvoort have been impacted by poor weather and it pays to be prepared for any eventuality when planning a trip to the Dutch Grand Prix.

Circuit Zandvoort: Good to Know

Race App: Download the Dutch GP app, where you can add your e-tickets and have easy access to the circuit map, event schedule & more

Circuit Opening Times: The circuit gates are open from 08:00-21:00 during the 2025 Dutch GP (TBC for 2026

Entrance Gates: Three entrance gates provide access to Circuit Zandvoort – see the circuit map below. Please note that with the exception of fans staying in the 538 Dutch Grand Prix Village (official campsite for the race), there are no pass outs or re-entry at the Dutch Grand Prix. See below for recommended entrance gates depending on your ticket type. Prohibited items are listed at the end of this post.

Gate 1: VIP Zone, General Admission 1, Tarzan-In Grandstands, Pit Grandstand, Main Grandstand, Ben Pon Grandstand

Gate 2 (Main Gate): VIP Zone, Fanzone, General Admission 2, Arena-Out Grandstand, Arena Grandstands, Arena-In Grandstand, Eastside Grandstands, Champions Club by F1 Experiences (If you are taking the train to Zandvoort, Gate 2 is the closest entry point.)

Gate 4: General Admission 1, Eastside Grandstands, Hairpin Grandstands

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2026 Dutch Grand Prix Schedule

On-Track Schedule: The full timetable for on-track action at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix has been confirmed by Formula 1 and is listed below.

Sprint Format: It’s been confirmed that the F1 Sprint format will be used at Zandvoort in 2026.

Support Categories: The confirmed support categories for 2026 are the Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup and F1 Academy.

Pit Lane Walks: The promoter holds a pit lane walk on Thursday afternoon for selected guests, and in 2025 also offered a paid upgrade to ticket holders. F1 Experiences also holds a pit lane walk on Thursday evening as part of extended trackside activities for selected guests. From Friday to Sunday, guests in the F1 Paddock Club can take part in up to two daily pit lane walks.

Friday

08:00: Gates Open (TBC)

12:30-13:30: Formula 1 – Free Practice 1 (FP1)

14:00-14:40: F1 Academy – Practice Session

16:30-17:14: Formula 1 – Sprint Qualifying

18:00-18:45: Porsche Supercup – Practice Session

21:00: Gates Close (TBC)

Saturday

08:00: Gates Open (TBC)

09:20-09:50: F1 Academy – Qualifying Session

10:15-10:45: Porsche Supercup – Qualifying Session

12:00-13:00: Formula 1 – Sprint (24 Laps or 60 minutes)

14:35-15:10: F1 Academy – First Race (17 Laps or 30 minutes + 1 Lap)

16:00-17:00: Formula 1 – Qualifying

18:00-18:35: Porsche Supercup – First Race (17 Laps or 30 minutes + 1 Lap)

21:00: Gates Close (TBC)

Sunday

08:00: Gates Open (TBC)

10:40-11:15: F1 Academy – Second Race (17 Laps or 30 minutes + 1 Lap)

11:55-12:30: Porsche Supercup – Second Race (17 Laps or 30 minutes + 1 Lap)

13:00-13:30: F1 Drivers’ Parade

14:44-14:46: National Anthem

15:00-17:00: Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2026 (72 Laps or 120 minutes)

21:00: Gates Close (TBC)

Dutch GP Fan Zone

The main F1 Fanzone at Circuit Zandvoort is located behind the final corner – see map above. It’s also very close to Gate 2, the main entry point for fans arriving from the train station in Zandvoort. As well as lots of food and drink outlets and all the usual interactive displays and merchandise stalls, there is also a large ferris wheel offering panoramic views of the circuit and beach.

Super Friday & Fan Zone Events

The first day of on-track action at the Dutch Grand Prix is known as “Super Friday”. Zandvoort attracts a much larger attendance on Friday than at many other races, and the organizers offer additional trackside events, in addition to the first two F1 practice sessions and support categories on track. Anyone with a valid Friday ticket to the Dutch Grand Prix can attend the Super Friday events in the fan zone.

In 2025, Super Friday began with an “Official F1 Opening Show” with DJ Paul Elstak on the main stage in the fan zone and appearances from F1 drivers, on-track stunt shows and a performance from Dutch band Kensington. The day finished with a 90s Closing Party. Additional concerts are also held in the fan zone on Saturday and Sunday, alongside Q&A sessions for the F1 drivers. The acts performing are almost exclusively Dutch.

Martin Garrix to Headline 2026 Dutch Grand Prix

It’s been confirmed that Dutch superstar DJ Martin Garrix will be headlining the finale of the Dutch Grand Prix in 2026. Learn more here.

Food & Drink at the Dutch Grand Prix

There is a good selection of food on offer at Circuit Zandvoort, though the queues at peak times can be lengthy. As well as usual circuit fare like fries, sandwiches, hot dogs, fish and chips and burgers, the organizers also brought in specialist food trucks serving pizzas, Mexican and Asian cuisine. Drinks are priced at €5.25 for a large Heineken beer and €3.25 for mineral water and soft drinks. Free drinking water stations are also located around the fan areas. Please note that the Dutch Grand Prix is a cashless event. You can pay for food, drinks and merchandise with your debit or credit card.

Prohibited Items at the Dutch Grand Prix

Click here to read the House Rules for the Dutch Grand Prix. General rules and prohibited items are listed below. Unless you have special dietary requirements, it is not allowed to bring in any food or drinks to the circuit. Fans are allowed to bring one empty 500ml bottle of water, which can be refilled at free drinking stations around the circuit grounds. Please note that storage lockers are not available at Circuit Zandvoort. Cameras with detachable lenses are NOT allowed. Umbrellas are also not allowed, so bring a rain jacket or poncho if showers are forecast.