Final Dutch GP could descend into chaos as rain looms

It’s still nine days until the lights go out for the first session of the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix, but the weather forecast already looks very promising. According to Weeronline, the likelihood of rain on all three days that the drivers take to the track is particularly high.

On Friday, August 21, the F1 drivers will take to the Circuit of Zandvoort for the first time. The first and only free practice starts at 12:30 PM local time, followed by sprint qualifying at 4:30 PM. The forecast puts the temperature that day at around 20 degrees Celsius, with a huge chance of rain. The probability of precipitation is set at 85%.

On Saturday, August 22, the sprint race will be held first at 12:00 PM local time. A few hours later, at 4:00 PM, qualifying for the Grand Prix will take place. For these sessions as well, temperatures will sit around 20 degrees Celsius, again with an 85% chance of rain.

For the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday, August 23, it will be slightly warmer. The current forecast is 21 degrees Celsius, but rain also seems set to play a major role during the final Dutch GP. The chance of precipitation on Sunday is likewise 85%.

In 2026, the final Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort for the time being will be held. During this last edition, Zandvoort will host a sprint race for the first time. As a result, the sessions on Friday and the first on Saturday are immediately crucial. Rain at any point during the race weekend will therefore have a direct and significant impact.

The last time it rained during the Dutch Grand Prix, it produced a spectacular race. In 2023, the race started in the rain, making it extremely hectic. Max Verstappen won that Grand Prix, but the podium with Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly tells you everything you need to know about that race.