According to RacingNews365, Zandvoort will join Formula E’s calendar from 2027 after agreeing a multi-year deal. The Dutch circuit will host the all-electric championship’s new Gen4 cars among its famous dunes.
The circuit joins Formula E’s Season 13 schedule for 2026/27. It’ll host a double-header on June 18-19.
Zandvoort arrives alongside Brands Hatch and Circuit of the Americas as one of three new additions to the expanded Gen4 calendar. The signing represents one of the most significant venue additions of the new era.
EV Powered first revealed discussions between Formula E and Zandvoort in July last year. The series had been talking with the circuit about hosting from the start of the Gen4 period.
Those talks accelerated through the second half of last year and into early 2026. Principal co-owner Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau attended the Monaco E-Prix as a guest of Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds. Other senior Zandvoort figures attended several races during the same period.
Perfect Timing for Both Parties
The timing works well for everyone involved. Zandvoort hosts its final Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix in August, leaving a summer slot to fill.
Formula E steps neatly into that gap. The championship aims to build on the fan base and infrastructure F1 established at the circuit.
Formula E is working with the same promoters as the Dutch GP. The sustainability angle fits naturally too – Zandvoort is widely regarded as F1’s greenest event, matching Formula E’s environmental goals.
Speaking to RacingNews365, Dodds explained the partnership’s appeal.
“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.”
Dodds praised the collaboration process.
“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.”
A Potential Championship Home
Formula E views Zandvoort as a circuit that could become a true championship home. The initial deal runs three years with extension options – likely keeping the venue on the calendar for the entire Gen4 era.
The amphitheatre setting among sand dunes should generate incredible atmosphere. The weekend carries added significance as Dutch driver Nyck de Vries‘ home race.
The 335km/h Gen4 car looks perfect for Zandvoort’s tight, twisty and banked layout. Arriving next season, it features permanent all-wheel drive and sprints from 0-100km/h in 1.8 seconds. Top speed reaches 335km/h (208mph).
Track visits have already happened. Formula E won’t use the full circuit configuration.
Current plans avoid adding chicanes, including on the start/finish straight. That remains subject to change as further tests and simulations continue. The layout needs FIA homologation first.
Formula E expects to use one of Zandvoort’s shorter configurations. It’ll feature a right-hand hairpin at the traditional Turn 5. The circuit should measure around the series’ ideal three-kilometer length.
Festival Atmosphere Focus
The format breaks from usual Formula E double-headers. Action runs Friday and Saturday rather than across two race days.
A festival-style event featuring live music on the beach follows Friday’s race. Creating a party atmosphere is clearly the priority.
This follows Formula E’s wider calendar shake-up, including moves away from London’s ExCeL venue.
Formula E vice president for host cities Oli McCrudden highlighted the fan experience potential.
“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.”
He drew comparisons to recent successful events.
“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.”
