A Quick Dutch Grand Prix Race Guide
Back from Summer Break, and it’s time for the Dutch Grand Prix! This race takes place in one of the most beautiful locations, with a track that zig-zags through the sand dunes on the coast of the North Sea in the town of Zandvoort. And it’s a sprint race this year!
Although it originally started in 1952, the Dutch Grand Prix was on hiatus for 36 years, from 1985 until 2021. It’s set to leave the F1 calendar again in 2027, but who knows when it might come back again!
Here’s your mini Dutch Grand Prix race guide, including all you need to know about tickets, where to sit, the fan experience, what you can bring to the track, and more.
Quick race guide to the Dutch GP
Here’s everything you need to know if you’re headed to the Dutch Grand Prix this year, or are interested in traveling to the Dutch F1 race one day in the future.
Table of Contents
Official race name
Officially, this is the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN DUTCH GRAND PRIX.
When is it?
The Dutch GP takes place August 21-23, 2026 (local time). The schedule is:
Race location
The Dutch GP takes place at Circuit Zandvoort, located in the beach resort town of Zandvoort, Netherlands, not far from Amsterdam. The circuit is 4.259 kilometers (2.646 miles) long, and is known for its rollercoaster-like dips, turns, and even banking. Drivers race 72 laps here.
Getting to the track
Zandvoort is located about 30 kilometers (19 miles) west of Amsterdam on the North Sea coast. Most people stay in Amsterdam for the race, although it’s also possible to stay in Zandvoort. Another option is Haarlem, a city outside Amsterdam that is even closer to Zandvoort.
You have a couple of options for reaching the circuit. The first is taking the train, which is a very efficient option. Trains run frequently from stations in Amsterdam, including the Central Station, and take less than 30 minutes. From Haarlem, it’s just 10 minutes.
Once you arrive at the train station in Zandvoort, it’s just a 15- to 20-minute walk to the entrance of the circuit.
The other option is cycling to Zandvoort. Cycling is extremely popular in the Netherlands (there are more bikes than people in the country!), and the infrastructure for cyclists is excellent. You can rent a regular bicycle or e-bike and ride along scenic bike paths to the designated bike parking area at Circuit Zandvoort.
You should not plan to arrive by car. It’s highly discouraged, the roads in Zandvoort are closed to non-residents during race weekend, and there’s no parking near the circuit — you’ll have to park in Haarlem, which is still a 10-minute train ride away.
Dutch GP ticket options
I always recommend checking ticket options through the host circuit first. For the Dutch GP, check out:
- DutchGP.com for general admission, grandstand tickets, and official venue packages.
- F1 Experiences for speciality hospitality packages and VIP packages.
Tickets for the Dutch Grand Prix often sell out, because this is a very popular race as Max Verstappen’s “home race.” You’ll want to secure your tickets as far in advance as you can. There’s a waiting list available if tickets are sold out.
For the Dutch Grand Prix, single-day tickets are available, as well as two-day and three-day ticket packages.
Best place(s) to sit
At Circuit Zandvoort, you can choose from various grandstands and general admission areas. The Pit grandstand is one of the best places to sit, with great views and lots of action. The Arena grandstands are also an excellent choice, and have a lively atmosphere.
However, it’s important to note that both of these grandstand areas are uncovered. If covered seating is important to you, you’ll want to go with the Main grandstand.
General admission can also be a good choice if you’re looking for more affordable tickets, and you’ll have free movement throughout the general admission areas.
The fan experience
At the Dutch Grand Prix, ticket holders can enjoy access to the main Fan Zone with show cars and displays, esports and racing simulators, a Ferris wheel with views over Zandvoort, and other entertainment.
There’s a fun festival feel to the Dutch Grand Prix, with a ton of great musical artists booked all weekend. This year, Martin Garrix will be headlining on the final day of the race, while other artists like Afrojack, Snelle, and Flemming will take the stage throughout the weekend.
What you can/can’t bring
Knowing what you’re allowed to bring to the race and what’s prohibited is important when planning your Dutch GP weekend! Here’s a quick overview so you’re prepared.
Dutch Grand Prix bag rules
Bags must not be larger than A4 size, meaning no large backpacks or luggage can be brought with you. Just the essentials!
Things you CANNOT bring to the Dutch GP include:
- Outside food and drinks (except for baby food and food required for medical reasons)
- Drugs of any kind
- Professional film, photo, or audio equipment (unless approved and accredited by the organization), including any cameras with a detachable lens
- Coolers (with or without contents)
- Selfie sticks and drones
- Aerosol cans (except sunscreen, deodorant, and perfume)
- Gas stoves and (disposable) barbecues
- Umbrellas (bring a good poncho instead!)
- (Foldable) chairs and stools
- Noise-making items
- All types of fireworks (including firecrackers, signal flares, torches, and decorative smoke)
- Flags with poles longer than one meter
- Any items too large to fit underneath a grandstand seat
- Roller skates, inline skates, skateboards, hoverboards, scooters, bicycles, (motor) scooters, etc.
Things you CAN bring with you:
It’s recommended to pack light and only bring the essentials. Bring a small bag with your ID, a payment method, sunglasses, sunscreen, a portable charger, etc. and leave the rest.
Track invasion info
Unlike some other Formula One races where fans rush out into the circuit at the conclusion of the race, there has not historically been a track invasion at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Other race weekend events
The main entertainment on race weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix is the lineup of musical performers, including world-famous DJs like Martin Garrix.
Throughout the race weekend, Zandvoort is a very lively place to be. Although it’s a small coastal town, it’s also a popular beach resort destination in the Netherlands, so there are plenty of bars and restaurants that will be packed with fans all weekend.
In Amsterdam, nightlife is always big, but that’s ramped up during the race weekend, and there are F1-specific after-parties to watch out for.
What else to do in the Netherlands
If you’re traveling for the Dutch Grand Prix and will be visiting the Netherlands during your trip, here are 5 things you can do while you’re not at the track:
- Relax in the seaside resort town of Zandvoort or cycle through the dunes
- Visit the historic city of Haarlem (with a fraction of the tourists of Amsterdam!)
- Go for a sightseeing cruise on Amsterdam’s canals
- Admire art at the Rijksmuseum or the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam
- Try delicious Dutch snacks like bitterballen and stroopwafels
Who is ready for the Dutch Grand Prix?
