King Willem-Alexander to officially present trophy at Zandvoort's final Dutch Grand Prix

King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands will present the winner’s trophy at the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix on 21-23 August at Zandvoort, marking his first official visit to a sporting event in the Netherlands in a prize-giving capacity.

Although the King and Queen Máxima have attended the Dutch Grand Prix regularly since its return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, all previous appearances were made in a private capacity. The 2026 edition will be different — and it will also be the last, with Zandvoort set to leave the F1 calendar after this year’s race.

The circuit’s exit from the schedule follows a decision by the privately funded promoter not to pursue a longer-term deal or take part in a proposed rotation system with other European venues. In 2024, F1 management and Dutch GP organisers agreed only a single-year extension to secure the 2026 race.

“We are a privately owned and operated business, and we must balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event against other risks and responsibilities,” said Dutch GP director Robert van Overdijk at the time. “We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026. We wanted to take this step while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents, and the Formula 1 community.”

Since Zandvoort’s return to the calendar in 2021, the race has produced some of the most passionate atmospheres in the sport, driven largely by the success of home favourite Max Verstappen. The four-time world champion won three consecutive Dutch Grands Prix from 2021 to 2023. McLaren then claimed the following two editions, with Lando Norris winning in 2024 and Oscar Piastri taking victory in 2025.

The 2026 race will be run as a sprint weekend, meaning drivers will have just one hour of practice before competitive sessions begin — adding an extra layer of unpredictability to what promises to be an emotionally charged farewell for one of F1’s most distinctive venues.