Verstappen chasing glory on home soil

Image source: Alamy Stock Photo

Dutch Grand Prix

2026 Formula 1 World Championship

Circuit Zandvoort, Netherlands

Sunday 23 August, 15:00

Max Verstappen returns to familiar territory when Formula 1 heads to Circuit Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday 23 August, with the Red Bull Racing star aiming to reignite his season in front of the passionate Orange Army.

Zandvoort has been Verstappen’s territory since Formula 1 returned to the Netherlands in 2021. He won the first three editions in 2021, 2022 and 2023, although Lando Norris ended that run in 2024, before Oscar Piastri took victory in 2025. This year’s race is particularly significant: it will be the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, with the event leaving the F1 calendar after 2026.

For Verstappen, the homecoming comes at a challenging point in the championship. He sits sixth with 109 points, well behind championship leader Kimi Antonelli on 219, while Red Bull are fourth in the constructors’ standings on 177 points. Antonelli has dominated the first half of the campaign, winning six Grands Prix, while Verstappen is still searching for his first victory of 2026. The reigning champion Lando Norris, meanwhile, is fifth on 218 points after winning in Hungary immediately before the summer break.

Verstappen did finish second in Hungary, his third podium in four races, but admitted that Red Bull need significant improvement. “In general, it’s been very tough,” he said. “Some good moments, some bright, shining moments, I guess, but overall, tough.”

The four-time world champion knows consistency and performance must improve: “So, I think we need to try and be more solid, a bit more all-round, to have more straightforward weekends.” He added: “Plus, we need to find more performance. I mean, it’s as simple as that at the end of the day.”

Zandvoort’s tight, fast-flowing layout and enthusiastic home crowd could provide the perfect setting for a Verstappen revival. The weekend will also be the circuit’s first-ever F1 Sprint, adding another competitive dimension to a potentially emotional final Dutch Grand Prix.

Drivers’ Championship standings (top five)

1 – Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 219 points

2 – Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 169

3 – George Russell (Mercedes) – 160

4 – Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 138

5 – Lando Norris (McLaren) – 218

Constructors’ Championship standings (top five)

1 – Mercedes – 379 points

2 – Ferrari – 307

3 – McLaren – 220

4 – Red Bull Racing – 177

5 – Racing Bulls – 66

2025 Dutch Grand Prix podium

1 – Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

2 – Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)

3 – Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)