Haas F1 Preview: Dutch Grand Prix 2026 at Zandvoort

The TGR Haas F1 Team is set to resume its 2026 FIA Formula 1 World Championship campaign at the 12th round, the Dutch Grand Prix, held at Circuit Zandvoort.

Following a three-week summer hiatus, Formula 1 returns to action at the coastal Zandvoort circuit. Originally established in the late 1940s, the Dutch Grand Prix was a regular fixture in the early years of Formula 1. After its absence since 1985, with modifications to its layout, Zandvoort rejoined the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, spurred by the rise of Max Verstappen. The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix is slated to be the final event in its current iteration before departing the calendar after this season.

Zandvoort's circuit presents a diverse range of corners, with sections dating back to its post-war origins and others newly introduced in 2021. The initial part of the lap is characterized by fast, flowing corners like the high-speed Schievlak. The latter half of the lap is flatter and more open. Notable corners include Turn 3, Hugenholtzbocht, with its 18-degree banking that allows for varied racing lines and demands full driver commitment, and the final corner, Arie Luyendykbocht, also banked at 15-18 degrees, which leads drivers onto the pit straight.

As a farewell to the current format, the Dutch Grand Prix will host an F1 Sprint for the first time, marking the fifth of six scheduled Sprint events in 2026.

In the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix, Ollie Bearman made an impressive charge from the pit lane to secure sixth place, while Esteban Ocon climbed eight positions to finish tenth, achieving a double points finish for the TGR Haas F1 Team.

Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal: "It goes without saying that we're excited to get back racing this weekend at Zandvoort - a venue that boasts just an incredible atmosphere thanks to the passion of all the Dutch fans. It's no secret that we experienced a challenging run of races before the summer shutdown, so the break came at a good time to allow everyone on the team an opportunity to rest and reset ahead of the second half of the season. We're straight into it though with a Sprint weekend, which means we've really got to be at our best operationally from the very start with just one practice session. Zandvoort presents plenty of challenges as a circuit but I'm looking forward to seeing how we come back and respond as a team."

Ollie Bearman: "We're back, and the break was much needed for both the team and me. It was great to spend time with family and friends, turning my phone onto 'do not disturb' and having some free time to enjoy my other hobbies! The aim for the second half of the season is to execute to the best of my ability and ensure we're working cohesively together to get the best result within our control. I love Zandvoort, and it's a shame that this is its last year on the Formula 1 calendar - the atmosphere is unrivalled, the orange army is out in full force, and the track is so unique. I'm looking forward to getting back to racing."

Esteban Ocon: "It's been great to unwind over the summer break with friends and family. It's been important for everyone to have that opportunity to reset ahead of what promises to be a busy second half of the season. We're ready to get back racing and see what we can achieve. Zandvoort is a fantastic venue to kick off the second half of the year. The fans always create an incredible atmosphere, and the track is a fun one to drive. We've faced a few challenges during the first half of the season, so we'll be looking to build on the consistency we showed in Hungary. With it being a Sprint weekend, we'll need to make the most of every session and get the most out of the package from the outset."