The 2026 Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix returns this weekend as a Sprint event, with Zandvoort potentially hosting its final F1 race as its current contract expires at the end of the season.
The weekend marks the start of the second half of the 2026 F1 campaign and could carry added significance for home favourite Max Verstappen, who is still chasing his first victory of the season. The Red Bull driver has extended his contract with the team until 2030, but there is currently no confirmed F1 contract for Zandvoort beyond 2026.
The Dutch GP also comes with a packed Sprint weekend schedule, meaning Indian viewers will have six track sessions to follow across Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
2026 F1 Dutch GP: Indian timings
The Dutch GP weekend begins on Friday, August 21, with the opening practice session before Sprint Qualifying later in the evening.
| Session | Date | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|
| FP1 | Friday, August 21 | 4:00pm-5:00pm |
| Sprint Qualifying | Friday, August 21 | 8:00pm-8:44pm |
| Sprint Race | Saturday, August 22 | 3:30pm-4:30pm |
| Qualifying | Saturday, August 22 | 7:30pm-8:30pm |
| Dutch GP Race | Sunday, August 23 | 6:30pm |
The main race gets underway at 6:30pm IST on Sunday.
Where to watch the 2026 Dutch GP in India
Indian viewers can watch the Dutch Grand Prix live on FanCode and F1 TV.
FanCode offers both single-race and season subscription options, while F1 TV Premium provides access to the complete race weekend, including practice, qualifying, the Sprint and the Grand Prix.
F1 TV also offers additional viewing features such as onboard cameras, live timing and team radio.
Max Verstappen faces another test at home
Verstappen heads into his home race still searching for his first win of the 2026 season.
Kimi Antonelli currently leads the championship, with Lewis Hamilton 50 points behind and George Russell a further nine points adrift. Ferrari will hope its latest upgrades can bring it closer to the championship fight, while McLaren arrives with momentum after Lando Norris won the Hungarian GP before the summer break.
Oscar Piastri, meanwhile, will be looking to return to the top step at Zandvoort after winning at the circuit last year.
Aston Martin will also run Honda’s updated power unit at the Dutch GP, building on the gains seen at the Hungarian GP following recent chassis and aerodynamic updates.
With the championship battle tightening and Zandvoort’s F1 future beyond 2026 still uncertain, the Dutch GP could be a significant weekend both on and off the track.