What time is F1’s Dutch Grand Prix 2026? Qualifying, sprint and race start times [FOTOS]

Formula 1 returns from its summer break with the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, a fan-favorite venue that delivers one of the most distinctive challenges on the calendar. This year’s event carries added significance because it is expected to be Zandvoort’s final appearance on the Formula 1 schedule for the foreseeable future, turning the weekend into a farewell celebration for one of the sport’s most atmospheric races. The iconic banking at Hugenholtz and the fast-flowing Scheivlak corner will once again take center stage as teams begin the decisive second half of the championship.

The Dutch Grand Prix also features a Sprint format, adding extra competitive pressure from the opening day. Drivers will have only a single practice session before Sprint Qualifying on Friday, placing greater emphasis on preparation and setup decisions. With overtaking opportunities limited at Zandvoort, every session becomes critical, from the Sprint race to Sunday’s Grand Prix, where track position can heavily influence the final result.

For Formula 1 fans in the United States, the schedule requires an early start, especially on the West Coast. Practice begins on Friday, August 21, at 3:30 a.m. PDT (6:30 a.m. EDT), followed by Sprint Qualifying at 7:30 a.m. PDT (10:30 a.m. EDT). Saturday’s Sprint race is scheduled for 3:00 a.m. PDT (6:00 a.m. EDT), while Grand Prix Qualifying starts at 7:00 a.m. PDT (10:00 a.m. EDT), a session expected to play a decisive role in determining the front row.

The main event takes place on Sunday, August 23, with the Dutch Grand Prix beginning at 6:00 a.m. PDT and 9:00 a.m. EDT. Local fans in the Netherlands will see lights out at 3:00 p.m. local time. With championship points becoming increasingly valuable, the combination of a Sprint weekend, a technically demanding circuit and the emotional farewell to Zandvoort creates one of the most anticipated Formula 1 weekends of the 2026 season.

2026 F1 Dutch Grand Prix Live Streaming and Channels

The race can be viewed on various television channels and platforms:

• Spain: Movistar Plus+, F1 TV Pro, and DAZN.
• Mexico: Canal 5, TUDN, Izzy and Sky Sports.*
• Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and other Latin American countries: ESPN and Disney+ Premium.
• United States and Puerto Rico: F1 TV Pro, ESPN on ABC and ESPN 3.

* Canal 5 and TUDN will only broadcast on TV this GP, the Gran Premio de Ciudad de Mexico and a future Grand Prix to be determined.

2026 F1 Dutch Grand Prix Sprint Race Start Time on Saturday, Aug 23

• Amsterdam: 1:00 p.m.
• Auckland: 10:00 p.m.
• Austin: 5:00 a.m.
• Barcelona: 12:00 p.m.
• Budapest: 12:00 p.m.
• Buenos Aires: 7:00 a.m.
• Helsinki: 1:00 p.m.
• Istanbul: 1:00 p.m.
• Jakarta: 5:00 p.m.
• Jeddah: 5:00 p.m.
• Johannesburg: 4:00 p.m.
• Lima: 5:00 a.m.
• Lagos: 11:00 a.m.
• London: 1:00 p.m.
• Los Angeles: 3:00 a.m. PT
• Melbourne: 8:00 p.m.
• Mexico City: 4:00 a.m.
• Miami: 6:00 a.m. ET
• Monaco: 12:00 p.m.
• Montreal: 6:00 a.m.
• New Delhi: 3:30 p.m.
• Perth: 6:00 p.m.
• Rome: 12:00 p.m.
• Sakhir: 1:00 p.m.
• Sao Paulo: 7:00 a.m.
• Seoul: 7:00 p.m.
• Shanghai: 6:00 p.m.
• Singapore: 6:00 p.m.
• Tokyo: 7:00 p.m.
• Vancouver: 3:00 a.m.
• Yas Marina: 2:00 p.m.

2026 F1 Dutch Grand Prix Start Time on Sunday, Aug 23

• Amsterdam: 3:00 p.m.
• Auckland: 1:00 a.m. (Monday, August 24)
• Austin: 8:00 a.m.
• Barcelona: 3:00 p.m.
• Budapest: 3:00 p.m.
• Buenos Aires: 10:00 a.m.
• Helsinki: 4:00 p.m.
• Istanbul: 4:00 p.m.
• Jakarta: 8:00 p.m.
• Jeddah: 4:00 p.m.
• Johannesburg: 3:00 p.m.
• Lima: 8:00 a.m.
• Lagos: 2:00 p.m.
• London: 2:00 p.m.
• Los Angeles: 6:00 a.m. PT
• Melbourne: 11:00 p.m.
• Mexico City: 7:00 a.m.
• Miami: 9:00 a.m. ET
• Monaco: 3:00 p.m.
• Montreal: 9:00 a.m.
• New Delhi: 6:30 p.m.
• Perth: 9:00 p.m.
• Rome: 3:00 p.m.
• Sakhir: 4:00 p.m.
• Sao Paulo: 10:00 a.m.
• Seoul: 10:00 p.m.
• Shanghai: 9:00 p.m.
• Singapore: 9:00 p.m.
• Tokyo: 10:00 p.m.
• Vancouver: 6:00 a.m.
• Yas Marina: 5:00 p.m.

2026 F1 Dutch Grand Prix Sprint Race Starting Grid

This will be the starting grid for the Dutch Grand Prix 2026, the fifth race of the Formula One World Championship, which takes place this Sunday at the Zandvoort Circuit in Zandvoort, Netherlands:

* Fernando Alonso was forced to start from the back (or the pit lane) due to last-minute technical issues experienced on Friday.

2026 F1 Dutch Grand Prix Starting Grid

This will be the starting grid for the Dutch Grand Prix 2026, the twelfth race of the Formula One World Championship, which takes place this Sunday at the Zandvoort Circuit in Zandvoort, Netherlands:

This weekend will see temporary driver changes at Red Bull Racing and sister team Racing Bulls. Regular Red Bull Racing driver Isack Hadjar sustained a wrist injury during the summer break and will not race this weekend. His seat will be filled by Racing Bulls regular Liam Lawson. Lawson’s place at Racing Bulls will be taken by current Red Bull reserve driver Yuki Tsunoda. Lawson last race for Red Bull Racing at the 2025 Chinese Grand Prix before switching back to Racing Bulls, while Tsunoda’s most recent race start was for Red Bull Racing, at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

* Although Sergio “Checo” Pérez qualified in 22nd place, he started from the pit lane after making modifications to his car’s rear suspension under parc fermé conditions.

TL; DR About the 2026 F1 Dutch Grand Prix

Formula 1 returns from its summer break with the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort, a Sprint weekend that is expected to be the circuit’s final appearance on the F1 calendar for the foreseeable future. The action begins on Friday, August 21, with Practice and Sprint Qualifying, followed by the Sprint race and Grand Prix Qualifying on Saturday, August 22. The main race takes place on Sunday, August 23, at 9:00 a.m. EDT (6:00 a.m. PDT). With limited overtaking opportunities and a track known for its banked corners and demanding layout, qualifying and Sprint results could play a major role in determining the outcome of one of the most anticipated races of the 2026 season.

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Ronie Bautista

Periodista y SEO del Grupo El Comercio con experiencia en investigación y coberturas de alto impacto para EE. UU., México y España. Mi expertise fusiona el análisis de actualidad con una especialización profunda en Deportes (F1, MLB, Boxeo, WWE, etc.), Tecnología y Gaming. Transformo datos en narrativa relevante para la audiencia hispana global.