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2026 Dutch Grand Prix Timetable Confirmed as Zandvoort Prepares for Sprint Farewell
Formula 1 confirms the complete session schedule for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, where a sprint format will mark the venue's final championship appearance before dropping off the calendar.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-08-17T14:41:13.000Z - 3 min read
Summer break concludes with Formula 1 heading directly to Zandvoort for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, bringing an updated timetable for what will serve as the coastal circuit's farewell appearance for now. With the Dutch venue dropping off the championship calendar next year, the August 21–23 weekend represents the final opportunity for the current grid to tackle the venue's signature banked corners and technical seaside sweeps.
Adding competitive density to the event, the round will operate under the sprint weekend format. Track action begins on Friday, August 21, with a solitary 60-minute practice session scheduled for 12:30pm local time (11:30am UK, 6:30am EDT, 3:30am PDT). That opening run gives teams their only preparation window before competitive running begins later that afternoon with sprint qualifying at 4:30pm local (3:30pm UK, 10:30am EDT, 7:30am PDT).
Saturday, August 22, divides the track programme into two distinct segments. Drivers will first contest the sprint race at 12:00pm local time (11:00am UK, 6:00am EDT, 3:00am PDT) to settle the weekend's opening championship points. Once sprint duties conclude, focus shifts directly to setting the main grid, with standard Grand Prix qualifying getting underway at 4:00pm local (3:00pm UK, 10:00am EDT, 7:00am PDT).
The main event, officially titled the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2026, takes place on Sunday, August 23, with lights out at 3:00pm local time (2:00pm UK, 9:00am EDT, 6:00am PDT). That Sunday afternoon slot gives the field its final competitive showdown along the Dutch dunes before the race leaves the schedule ahead of the 2027 world championship.
For drivers and engineers, the layout offers one last challenge across its distinct terrain, led by the heavy banking at Hugenholtz and the rapid commitment demanded through the high-speed Scheivlak corner. Running the sprint format at such an unforgiving track leaves minimal room for setup adjustments, placing immediate emphasis on hitting the operating window during Friday's opening practice.
Broadcast arrangements for American audiences shift significantly this season, with Apple TV operating as the exclusive US home for Formula 1 coverage from 2026. US viewers will have live access to every practice, qualifying and race session throughout the Zandvoort weekend via a dedicated F1 channel, accompanied by full catch-up replays and comprehensive highlights packages.
Supplementary coverage for the American broadcast includes dedicated pre-race and post-race programming, live timing data, and interactive driver trackers. Viewers watching through the platform will also have access to 22 dedicated onboard driver camera feeds across all three days of track action as Zandvoort hosts its final Grand Prix weekend for the foreseeable future.