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Formula 1 returns from its summer break with an emotional final visit to Zandvoort, as the Dutch Grand Prix prepares to bring an end to one of the most successful modern additions to the calendar. The 2026 race will be the last time the championship heads to the famous seaside circuit, closing a chapter that transformed the Dutch dunes into one of the sport’s most recognisable destinations. Formula 1’s return to Zandvoort in 2021 ended a wait of more than three decades and arrived at the perfect moment for home hero Max Verstappen, who was fighting for his first world championship at the time. Since then, the energy surrounding the event has been unlike almost any other race weekend. Thousands of orange-clad fans have turned Zandvoort into a celebration of motorsport, with the atmosphere often feeling more like a festival than a traditional Grand Prix. However, despite the huge popularity of the event and the incredible support from fans, organisers have decided not to continue beyond the current agreement, bringing Formula 1’s latest chapter at Zandvoort to a close. The farewell race also arrives at a fascinating point in the championship, with the competitive order still unsettled heading into the second half of the season. Mercedes began the year as the team to beat, with Kimi Antonelli establishing himself as the early championship favourite. The Italian has maintained impressive consistency, but the advantage that Mercedes enjoyed at the start of the season has gradually disappeared as rivals have developed their cars. More from the Dutch GP Catch up with Total Motorsport’s latest Dutch GP coverage, including Lando Norris’ dramatic victory at Zandvoort, the full race classification, Max Verstappen’s Lap 1 crash, and the latest on Lewis Hamilton’s Ferrari future. McLaren and Ferrari both entered the summer break with renewed confidence after securing victories during the first half of the campaign. McLaren recovered from a difficult opening stretch to become genuine contenders, while Ferrari remained one of Mercedes’ closest challengers throughout the season. For Lewis Hamilton, Zandvoort represents another important opportunity to close the gap to Antonelli and keep his pursuit of an eighth world championship alive. After securing victory in Barcelona earlier in the year, the Ferrari driver will be hoping to continue his momentum and put pressure on the championship leader. Interestingly, McLaren could also play a major role in the title battle. The team’s improvement has created another challenge for Mercedes, potentially opening the door for Hamilton and Ferrari to gain valuable ground. Red Bull Racing also remains a threat, especially with Verstappen returning to his home circuit. Although the four-time world champion has not been satisfied with the RB22 throughout the season, he has continued to extract strong performances from the car and remains capable of producing a special result. A victory in front of the Dutch fans would be the perfect farewell for Verstappen and Zandvoort. After winning the first three Dutch Grands Prix following Formula 1’s return, another triumph would create a fitting final memory at his home race. The circuit itself presents a unique challenge. Zandvoort’s narrow layout and limited overtaking opportunities mean qualifying has traditionally been hugely important, but the characteristics of the 2026 regulations could create a different type of race. The introduction of the Sprint format this weekend adds another layer of unpredictability, with teams having less time to perfect their set-ups. The driver with perhaps the most pressure heading into the weekend is George Russell. Despite strong performances, he currently finds himself behind both Antonelli and Hamilton in the championship fight, leaving him needing a major result to remain firmly in contention. A victory at Zandvoort would be the perfect statement. It would reduce the pressure on Russell, put more questions on Antonelli, and prove that the championship battle is far from settled. As Formula 1 prepares to say goodbye to the Dutch dunes, one final chapter awaits. The only question is who will leave their mark on Zandvoort’s final Grand Prix.