Formula 1 shakes off its summer slumber this weekend as the sport heads to Zandvoort for a Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, marking the start of the second half of the 2026 campaign.
This year's race carries extra emotional weight because it is the last Dutch Grand Prix currently on the calendar, with no extension agreed beyond 2026. That means the passionate Orange Army will turn out in force to cheer on Max Verstappen, who could be racing on home soil for the final time in his career.
Verstappen has not won a race so far this season, but he could still prove decisive in the destiny of the title fight as Kimi Antonelli tries to keep his grip on the Drivers' Championship.
Antonelli currently holds a 50-point cushion over Lewis Hamilton and leads George Russell by 59 points, though that gap could narrow quickly, especially if Ferrari keep introducing upgrades to their car.
Zandvoort's layout, which is short on long straights, should theoretically play into Ferrari's hands. However, McLaren's Lando Norris is fresh off victory at the twisty Hungaroring and will be another driver to watch closely this weekend.
Oscar Piastri claimed last year's Dutch Grand Prix, and that remains his most recent F1 win. The Australian will be hoping to rediscover that winning touch as the season heads into its second half.
It's also a significant race for Russell personally, who became engaged to his long-term partner Carmen Montero Mundt during the summer break, all while Antonelli continues to show excellent recent form on track. Sky Sports' The F1 Show podcast has been exploring whether Russell can bounce back after what was described as a 'knockout blow' following his struggles in Belgium.
Circuit history and the road to Zandvoort's final race
Formula 1 confirmed back in December 2024 that the Dutch Grand Prix would stay on the calendar through 2026 but not beyond, according to Formula1.com. The race had only returned to the calendar in 2021 after a 36-year absence, and this 2026 edition is being billed as the final Zandvoort race for the foreseeable future, per RacingNews365.
Fittingly for what could be a farewell occasion, organisers say the entire 2026 race weekend has already sold out, according to the official Dutch GP website.
Dutch GP circuit: Zandvoort track layout
Zandvoort remains a firm favourite among the drivers thanks to its high-speed corners, its banked bends at Turn 3, and its flat-out final turn.
Overtaking is notoriously difficult here, with just one long straight leading down to Turn 1, which makes track position absolutely crucial. Expect a race that could play out similarly to the recent Hungarian Grand Prix in that respect.
According to Formula1.com, the race itself will run across 72 laps of the 4.259-kilometre Circuit Zandvoort.
Dutch GP weather at Zandvoort
Cooler temperatures than much of the recent European summer are forecast for the Zandvoort weekend, with highs sitting in the low 20s. Light showers cannot be ruled out either.
Off-track entertainment at Zandvoort
Away from the racing, the Dutch GP programme includes a strong line-up of live entertainment across Friday and Sunday, with performances from Afrojack, Snelle, Flemming, Kraantje Pappie, Snollebollekes, Martin Garrix, Davina Michelle and Dirty Daddies, according to the official Dutch GP programme.
Dutch GP dates, UK start time and Sky Sports F1's live schedule
Thursday August 20: 1pm Drivers' Press Conference; 4pm Paddock Uncut.
Friday August 21: 11am Dutch GP Practice (session starts at 11.30am); 12.55pm F1 Academy Practice; 2.30pm Team Bosses' Press Conference; 3pm Dutch GP Sprint Qualifying (session starts at 3.30pm).
Saturday August 22: 8.15am F1 Academy Qualifying; 10am Dutch GP Sprint build-up; 11am DUTCH GP SPRINT*; 1.30pm F1 Academy Race 1; 2.20pm Dutch GP Qualifying build-up*; 3pm DUTCH GP QUALIFYING*; 5pm Porsche Supercup Race 1.
Sunday August 23: 9.35am F1 Academy Race 2; 10.50am Porsche Supercup Race 2; 12.30pm Grand Prix Sunday: Dutch GP build-up; 2pm THE DUTCH GRAND PRIX; 4pm Chequered Flag: Dutch GP reaction.
How to watch or stream the Dutch Grand Prix in the UK and Ireland
TV: Sky customers can watch on Sky Sports F1 from Practice on Friday afternoon right through to the Dutch Grand Prix itself on Sunday August 23 at 2pm.
App: Sky customers can also follow the action on the Sky Sports app, with the option to go onboard with any driver.
Stream: Non-Sky customers can stream every session with a NOW Day pass or a cancel-anytime Month pass.
Live blog: Fans on the move can follow live coverage of the entire race weekend through Sky Sports' dedicated F1 blog.
FREE Highlights: Highlights will be available shortly after the chequered flag via the Sky Sports app.
What is NOW?
NOW is an instant streaming service offering access to all 12 Sky Sports channels, every Sky Sports+ stream, and much more besides.
As an app-based service, customers can sign up and start streaming instantly across more than 60 devices. Membership is contract-free, meaning customers can cancel at any time.
Fans can choose between a Month or Day Membership, with the latest NOW membership prices available to view online.
What happens next
On-track action resumes with Practice and Sprint Qualifying on Friday 21 August 2026, according to the official Formula 1 schedule. The Sprint follows on Saturday, before the Dutch Grand Prix itself is run on Sunday 23 August 2026.
With the title race tightening and Verstappen potentially waving goodbye to home fans for good, all eyes will be on Zandvoort to see how the second half of the 2026 season begins to take shape. For context on how long the leading title contenders remain contracted to their teams beyond this year, Sky Sports has a full breakdown of every F1 driver's contract status for 2026.
