Exclusive: Zandvoort to host Formula E as multi-year deal agreed

Zandvoort will host Formula E from 2027 after agreeing a multi-year contract, which will see the new Gen4 cars take to the iconic Dutch circuit.

The venue will feature on Formula E's Season 13 calendar (2026/27), with Zandvoort set to host a double-header on June 18-19. It joins Brands Hatch and the Circuit of the Americas as new circuits.

RacingNews365 revealed in July last year that the all-electric championship had been in discussions with Zandvoort over becoming a host venue from the start of the Gen4 era.

Throughout the second half of last year and the first half of 2026, advanced talks continued between the two parties, with principal Zandvoort co-owner and executive Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau attending the Monaco E-Prix as a guest of Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds. Several other Formula E races have also been attended over the past year by senior Zandvoort figures.

With Zandvoort set to host its final Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix in August, the venue had a gap in its summer calendar to fill, something Formula E has more than achieved. The goal is to build on the fan base F1 has created and the event it established at the circuit.

To achieve that, Formula E is working with the same promoters as the Dutch GP, with the aim of fully embracing what Zandvoort has to offer. The move also makes perfect sense given Zandvoort's understanding of Formula E's sustainability ambitions, with the circuit being F1's most sustainable event.

Discussing the talks with Zandvoort, Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds told RacingNews365 during an interview: "I've come to know Bernhard very well over the years, and Menno de Jong and the team there. I think we share a passion for the same things.

"It's no coincidence that they hosted the most sustainable race in Formula 1. They are very focused on delivering a different style of Formula 1 event.

"Again, in all the conversations we've had with them, I just think we found a lot of common ground very early on, and they've been an absolute joy to work with."

Circuit layout and festival vibe

Formula E sees Zandvoort as a venue that can become a true home of the championship, with the initial multi-year deal set to run for three years and include the option of an extension. This would likely keep the circuit on the calendar for the entirety of the Gen4 era.

Zandvoort's amphitheatre-like setting among the sand dunes is expected to create a fantastic atmosphere, with the event also serving as Nyck de Vries' home race.

Formula E's Gen4 car, which will be introduced next season, is viewed as ideally suited to Zandvoort's tight, twisty and banked layout. The car features permanent all-wheel drive, can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-60 mph) in 1.8 seconds, and has a top speed of 335 km/h (208 mph).

Visits to the circuit have already taken place, with the full layout not expected to be used. However, as things stand, the current plan according to Formula E is not to add any chicanes to the circuit, including on the start/finish straight. This is subject to change as further tests and simulations are conducted. 

While the layout still needs to be homologated by the FIA, Formula E is expected to use one of Zandvoort's shorter configurations, featuring a right-hand hairpin at the traditional Turn 5. In total, the circuit is expected to be around Formula E's ideal three-kilometre length.

Unlike a traditional Formula E double-header, races will be held on Friday and Saturday, with a festival-style event featuring live music on the beach taking place after Friday's race. Creating a party atmosphere is a key objective.

"I think the other really good thing is that we are going to be able to create a fan zone and a real festival vibe within that space that's going to be busy and very energetic, and that's exactly what we want," said Formula E's vice president for host cities, Oli McCrudden, during the same interview.

"I mean, we all saw what happened when we went to Jarama in Madrid. It's small, it's enclosed, it keeps everybody in the same space, and it makes everybody feel that this is really lively, that this is really exciting, and that everybody is part of it."