The 2026 Dutch Grand Prix could get a dramatic send-off at Zandvoort, with a significant chance of rain during the race weekend from August 21 to 23, 2026. The latest forecast points to wet conditions on Friday and Saturday, but the chance of rain drops significantly on Sunday. However, with weather conditions constantly changing, rain cannot be ruled out entirely during the Grand Prix.
F1 will return to Zandvoort on Friday, August 21, following the summer break, and drivers will have to get their car setup right in their first and only practice session at 12:30 p.m. local time, since this will be a sprint weekend. The practice session follows sprint qualifying that gets underway at 4:30 p.m. According to AccuWeather, temperatures are expected to hover around 20°C during the day, while the current forecast puts the chance of rain at roughly 91%, with an 18% chance of thunderstorms.
On Saturday, Zandvoort hosts its first-ever F1 sprint, which is scheduled for 12:00 p.m., followed by Grand Prix qualifying at 4:00 p.m. Temperatures should hover around the 19°C mark, with a 75% chance of precipitation in the morning and a 15% chance of thunderstorms. Any wet weather could affect qualifying results, potentially influencing the starting grid and shaping how the race unfolds.
On Sunday, race day, the conditions could get slightly warmer since the forecast suggests the day will be partially cloudy. While earlier predictions suggested rain during the Dutch GP, the current forecast shows a low chance of it. However, with nearly a week to go before the race begins, the weather forecast is subject to change.
Although Sunday’s rain chances are currently low, wet weather can’t be entirely ruled out, and that could offer fans an entertaining race, as seen in 2023 when rain lashed the circuit during the race, helping Max Verstappen, who started on pole position, win the race, followed by Fernando Alonso and Pierre Gasly, who finished in P2 and P3.
A rain-affected race could force teams to make crucial tire and strategy calls. Even a brief shower that leaves the track wet for a few laps could add another layer of unpredictability, especially with the new-generation cars introduced under the 2026 regulations. The cars have already produced close racing over extended periods, making it difficult to predict which one will come out on top in a tight duel. A chaotic and memorable race would be a fitting farewell for Zandvoort.