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F1 Dutch Grand Prix Schedule, Start Times and Routines

Formula 1 is set to return from its summer break with an action-packed weekend at Circuit Zandvoort for the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix. The event takes place from August 21 to 23 and will be particularly significant because it is scheduled to be the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort under the current Formula 1 agreement. This year’s event will also feature the Sprint format for the first time in the Netherlands.

The weekend begins on Friday, August 21, with Formula 1’s first official track activity. The opening practice session is scheduled for 12:30pm local time and will give teams their first opportunity to assess their cars around the demanding Zandvoort circuit. The session is followed by F1 Academy activity and the teams’ press conference before the main Formula 1 action resumes later in the afternoon.

Friday’s biggest Formula 1 session is Sprint Qualifying, which is scheduled to begin at 4:30pm local time. The result will determine the starting order for Saturday’s Sprint, adding extra importance to what would normally be a single practice day. The Friday programme also includes Porsche Mobil 1 Supercup activity.

Saturday promises an especially busy schedule because of the Sprint format. Supporting-series sessions take place during the morning before the Formula 1 Sprint gets underway at 3:00pm local time. The Sprint will provide drivers with an additional opportunity to score championship points and will set the stage for the later qualifying session.

Formula 1 qualifying is scheduled for 7:00pm local time on Saturday. Unlike Sprint Qualifying on Friday, this session determines the starting grid for Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix. With the tight and technical nature of Zandvoort, qualifying could be particularly important because overtaking can be difficult around the circuit.

Sunday, August 23, is the main event. The Formula 1 race is scheduled to start at 3:00pm local time, with the Grand Prix expected to run for 72 laps around the 4.259-kilometre circuit. Before the race, fans will also have the opportunity to watch the F1 Academy and Porsche Supercup races, followed by the traditional Formula 1 Drivers’ Parade and pre-race ceremonies.

For fans following the weekend from home, the schedule provides several major sessions to watch: Friday’s practice and Sprint Qualifying, Saturday’s Sprint and qualifying, and Sunday’s Grand Prix. The official Formula 1 timetable confirms the main sessions and their scheduled start times.

The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix therefore promises to be more than a normal race weekend. With the Sprint format making its Zandvoort debut and the event expected to mark the final Dutch Grand Prix at the circuit for now, attention will be firmly focused on the drivers, teams and championship battles throughout all three days.

Key race time: Sunday, August 23 at 3:00pm local time.