Coulthard declares Zandvoort will never host Formula 1 again after final Dutch GP

David Coulthard has declared that Formula 1 will never return to Zandvoort, arguing that the circuit’s inability to expand and the sport’s escalating commercial requirements have permanently ended the venue’s place on the calendar. The coastal Dutch circuit is set to host its final scheduled F1 race this weekend, with its privately funded promoter having opted against signing a contract extension beyond 2026.

Speaking on the Up To Speed podcast, the former Red Bull driver pointed to the unique circumstances that brought the Dutch Grand Prix back to life in 2021 — a 35-year absence ended largely on the back of Max Verstappen’s growing popularity — and explained why those same circumstances now make a revival unlikely.

“They were instrumental in bringing the grand prix back to Holland on the wave of Max’s success, and they’re limited in what they can do with their facility,” Coulthard said. “They’re surrounded by a natural park, the sand dunes; they can’t expand, they can’t grow, and of course Formula 1 is continuing to look for an increase in the revenue from their commercial rights.”

Coulthard noted that F1 is already fielding interest from new venues willing to build purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities — citing Rwanda as one example — which further diminishes the case for Zandvoort’s return. “It’s probably not commercially viable for them to keep going as is,” he added.

Despite his blunt assessment, Coulthard was careful to acknowledge the circuit’s qualities and its personal significance. He revealed that Zandvoort hosted his first international victory as a young Formula 3 driver, and praised the venue’s Paddock Club setup overlooking the first corner as among the best in the paddock.

“I actually think that Zandvoort is a brilliant little racetrack,” he said. “So there are a lot of things for which we need to say thank you and well done to Zandvoort, but the journey has come to its end, and I don’t believe we’ll ever go back there with Formula 1. So remember this period, ladies and gentlemen.”

The Dutch Grand Prix has been one of the more atmospheric stops on the F1 calendar since its return, with the orange-clad Verstappen fanbase generating a partisan atmosphere comparable to a home crowd. Whether this weekend’s race serves as a permanent farewell remains to be seen, but Coulthard’s verdict reflects a broader commercial reality that heritage circuits increasingly struggle to meet.