Which F1 circuit could replace Zandvoort after 2026?
With the withdrawal of Zandvoort from the Formula 1 calendar after 2026, which circuit could take its place? Here are a few candidates to replace the Dutch Grand Prix.
It was announced earlier this month that Zandvoort would host its last Dutch Grand Prix of Formula 1 in 2026.
With a calendar set to 24 races per year, a spot opens up for another circuit to host a Grand Prix in just a few years.
Which circuits could replace Zandvoort?
Rwanda
A serious candidate for a future Formula 1 race is Rwanda, which officially announced its candidacy this month. The country hosted the FIA awards ceremony in Kigali on December 13, where Max Verstappen also performed community service at an event for grassroots motorsport development.
Discussions have been ongoing for some time to bring F1 to Rwanda, and Alexander Wurz is designing a track near Kigali. F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali stated that Rwanda has presented a good plan.
F1 has not raced in Africa since 1993, and several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, have expressed their desire to see the sport return to the continent.
Kyalami
The South African circuit of Kyalami hosted F1 between 1967 and 1985 and from 1992 to 1993. Although it currently does not have the FIA Grade 1 certification necessary to host F1 races, updates could make a return possible by 2027.
Istanbul
Turkey has not hosted a Grand Prix since 2021. The Istanbul Park circuit, popular with drivers, could make a return. Earlier this year, FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem met with the Turkish president to discuss this potential return.
Qiddiya
Located in Saudi Arabia, the Speed Park circuit project in Qiddiya includes innovative elements and is expected to be completed by 2027. However, this might be too late to immediately replace Zandvoort.
Buenos Aires
Argentina, absent from the calendar since 1998, could also be an option, especially with the enthusiasm of fans following the arrival of Argentine driver Franco Colapinto at Williams in 2024.
Hockenheim
With Audi officially joining F1 in 2026, a return to Germany could be considered. Hockenheim, the last host of F1 in 2019, is benefiting from investments to modernize its facilities.
Barcelona
Although the Spanish Grand Prix is scheduled to move to Madrid in 2026, the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya could temporarily return if needed. Its contract ends in 2026.
The choice of the circuit that will replace Zandvoort will depend on the progress made by the various candidates, the available infrastructures, and F1’s strategic priorities. Another possibility is that F1 may choose to reduce the number of races, in response to concerns expressed by drivers and teams about an increasingly packed schedule.
