The 2026 Formula 1 calendar resumes after the summer hiatus with a thrilling Sprint weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, marking the final appearance of the event on the F1 timetable. Organisers have confirmed that the race will not be renewed beyond this year, so the passionate Orange Army will be out in full force to cheer on Max Verstappen on his home turf, possibly for the last time in his career. Verstappen has yet to claim a victory this season, but his performance this weekend could prove decisive in the championship battle. Current points leader Kimi Antonelli is looking to maintain his grip on the Drivers' Championship, where he sits 50 points ahead of Lewis Hamilton and 59 points clear of George Russell.
That cushion, however, could evaporate quickly if Ferrari introduce further upgrades that enhance their pace on Zandvoort’s technical layout. The Zandvoort circuit is traditionally a strong suit for Ferrari.
Its design features a series of medium‑speed corners and very few long straights, which tends to favour cars with superior down‑force and handling rather than outright top speed. McLaren’s Lando Norris, who triumphed on a similarly twisty track at the Hungararian Grand Prix, also poses a credible threat and could capitalize on the circuit’s overtaking challenges.
Australian driver Oscar Piastri, the winner of last year’s Dutch Grand Prix and currently the holder of his most recent F1 victory, will be looking to recapture that form as the season reaches its second half. A strong result for Piastri could inject fresh momentum into the midfield battle and keep his team in the hunt for valuable constructor points. For George Russell, the weekend carries a personal milestone as well. Over the summer break he became engaged to his long‑term partner, Carmen Montero Mundt.
The added happiness off‑track may provide extra motivation as he strives to stay within striking distance of Antonelli’s lead, especially given the Dutch driver’s impressive recent performances. **Full 2026 F1 Calendar Overview** - Stream every Grand Prix without a long‑term contract.
- Tune into The F1 Show podcast for expert analysis. - Get updates from Sky Sports via WhatsApp. - For the best video experience, use the Chrome browser. Zandvoort remains a driver favourite thanks to its high‑speed sweeping corners, the banked Turn 3, and the ultra‑fast final corner that tests both bravery and precision.
Overtaking is notoriously difficult because there is only one long straight leading into Turn 1, making track position a critical factor. Fans can expect a race dynamic similar to the previous year’s Hungarian Grand Prix, where strategic positioning often decided the outcome.
Although rain showers have been forecast throughout the weekend, the race itself is expected to run under dry conditions, albeit with cooler temperatures that may only reach 20 °C. Teams will need to manage tyre temperatures carefully to maintain grip on the relatively chilly surface. **Weekend Timetable (All times local)** - Sunday, 23 August – 09:35 am: F1 Academy Race 2 - 10:50 am: Porsche Supercup Race 2 - 12:30 pm: Grand Prix build‑up sessions - 14:00 pm: THE DUTCH GRAND PRIX (race start) - 16:00 pm: Chequered flag and post‑race reaction *All events are also available on Sky Sports Main Event.* **How to Watch on Sky** - **Television:** Sky Sports F1 will broadcast the full weekend, from Friday’s practice sessions through to Sunday’s race, beginning at 2 pm.
- **App:** Sky Sports app subscribers can watch live streams and even choose a driver‑camera view for an immersive experience. - **Streaming (Non‑Sky customers):** The NOW platform offers a Day Pass or a flexible Month Pass, allowing viewers to stream the action without committing to a long‑term contract. - **Live Blog:** For those on the move, a dedicated F1 blog provides minute‑by‑minute updates and commentary throughout the weekend. - **Highlights:** Sky Sports app users can access race highlights shortly after the chequered flag.
**Sky Subscribers Benefits** - Access to Sky iD assistance for account setup and troubleshooting. - NOW streaming service delivers all 12 Sky Sports channels and Sky Sports+ streams across more than 60 devices, with contract‑free membership options that can be cancelled at any time. - Choose between a Month or Day membership based on your viewing needs; current pricing details are available on the NOW website. In summary, the Dutch Grand Prix promises a compelling mix of high‑stakes championship drama, a farewell to a beloved venue, and plenty of viewing flexibility via Sky Sports and NOW.
Whether you’re cheering for Verstappen, tracking Antonelli’s title lead, or simply enjoying the unique challenges of Zandvoort’s banked turns, this weekend offers something for every Formula 1 enthusiast.