Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau has hailed the Dutch Grand Prix as the finest event Formula 1 has staged as Zandvoort prepares to host its final championship race on 23 August 2026. The former circuit co-owner, who played a central role in bringing Formula 1 back to the Netherlands, reflected on the event’s international impact, its passionate Orange Army and the doubts that surrounded the original revival project.
Final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort follows the summer break
After the conclusion of the Hungarian Grand Prix weekend, Formula 1 began its summer break, which will continue until the championship returns at Zandvoort. The Dutch circuit will stage the 12th race of the season, with the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix weekend taking place from 21 to 23 August and featuring the Sprint format.
The event will carry particular significance for the thousands of Max Verstappen supporters expected to fill the grandstands overlooking the North Sea. It will be the final Dutch Grand Prix under the current agreement, with Zandvoort no longer forming part of the championship from 2027. The race therefore represents one of the most emotionally significant dates on the 2026 Formula 1 calendar.
The Dutch event’s departure will also leave one of the sport’s most distinctive modern venues absent when Formula 1 confirms the remaining details of its 2027 championship schedule.
Zandvoort’s Formula 1 history began in 1952
The first Dutch Grand Prix counting towards the Formula 1 World Championship was held in 1952, when Ferrari driver Alberto Ascari claimed victory. Zandvoort’s layout has been modified several times since then, although the circuit still retains memorable features such as its opening corner, which remains widely known as Tarzan Corner.
The facility subsequently entered a period of decline, and the 1985 Dutch Grand Prix became its final Formula 1 race for more than three decades. Zandvoort remained absent from the championship until a new project developed in 2019 secured its return. Although the first race of the revived era was ultimately staged in 2021, the comeback quickly became a major success, driven in particular by the enormous popularity of home favourite Max Verstappen.
Max Verstappen won at Zandvoort in 2021, 2022 and 2023, helping the event establish its modern identity through packed grandstands and a sea of orange. The circuit’s return added another memorable period to the wider history of the Dutch Grand Prix, but its Formula 1 contract runs only until the end of the current season.
Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau reflects on Zandvoort’s impact
Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau was one of the leading figures behind Formula 1’s return to the Netherlands. The former Zandvoort co-owner has recently decided to sell all his business interests, including those connected with the circuit, bringing his direct involvement in the venue to an end.
Speaking in an interview with Formule1.nl, Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau explained: “With Zandvoort, we had an enormous impact. In two directions: towards the Netherlands and the world, and towards the sport. Together with the Netherlands, we demonstrated what we are capable of in the broadest possible sense, from businesses to the fans.”
He continued: “For years, we organised the best Formula 1 event in the history of Formula 1. That would never have been possible without our Orange fans, among others. They were incredibly wonderful years. The Dutch Grand Prix was a magnificent calling card for the Netherlands.”
Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau also recalled the scepticism surrounding the plan to bring the championship back to Zandvoort: “Before Formula 1 came to the Netherlands, many people thought we were crazy. Many said: you should not want this, you will fail. But we did it anyway.”
Reflecting on the circuit’s place in Dutch sporting history and its future beyond Formula 1, he concluded: “I consider the circuit a national heritage asset, to which we added a new chapter with the return of Formula 1. Now it is time for the next chapters.”
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