Assen rules out Formula 1 as TT Circuit abandons Dutch Grand Prix ambitions – The TT Circuit Assen has officially ended hopes of bringing Formula 1 to the venue, confirming it will not pursue the expensive upgrades required to obtain FIA Grade 1 status. The decision effectively removes Assen as a potential replacement for the Dutch Grand Prix once Circuit Zandvoort leaves the Formula 1 calendar after the 2026 season.
Circuit officials reached the conclusion after discussions with Formula 1 management, who reportedly made it clear that the chances of Assen hosting a Grand Prix before 2030 were virtually non-existent. Even beyond that date, the prospect of securing a place on the increasingly crowded calendar was described as extremely unlikely.
Formula 1 message prompts Assen’s final decision
TT Circuit director Mark van Aalderen and chairman Arjan Bos were informed by Formula 1 Chief Race Officer Louise Young that there was effectively no opportunity for Assen to host a Formula 1 race before 2030.
That assessment proved decisive.
Obtaining an FIA Grade 1 licence would require multi-million euro investment in circuit modifications. With no realistic prospect of securing a Formula 1 event, Assen’s management concluded that such spending could not be justified.
The circuit had previously stated it would be prepared to make the necessary changes if a promoter emerged with a viable Formula 1 project. However, following Formula 1’s latest assessment, those plans have now been shelved indefinitely.
Focus returns to MotoGP and long-term circuit development
Instead of pursuing Formula 1, Assen will continue focusing on the championships it already hosts, with MotoGP remaining the venue’s flagship event.
The TT Circuit has built a strong international reputation through motorcycle racing and other motorsport categories, and management believes continuing to invest in those events offers a far more sustainable long-term strategy than chasing an unlikely Formula 1 opportunity.
The decision also avoids committing significant financial resources to infrastructure that may never generate a return.
Zandvoort’s departure leaves no immediate Dutch replacement
The announcement comes as Circuit Zandvoort prepares to stage the final Dutch Grand Prix in Formula 1 history—at least for the foreseeable future.
The race will disappear from the calendar after the 2026 season following the organisers’ decision, confirmed in December 2024, not to seek a longer extension beyond a one-year renewal.
Organisers cited rising operational costs and the financial challenges of staging Formula 1 without government backing as key reasons for ending the event.
The final Dutch Grand Prix is scheduled to take place from 21–23 August 2026, with the weekend also set to feature a Sprint race for the first time at Zandvoort.
Assen prioritises its core events over F1
Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali has repeatedly acknowledged that the championship calendar is at capacity, with increasing competition from new markets seeking races around the world.
That has made it difficult for established European venues to secure new events, particularly when significant investment is required before any agreement is guaranteed.
Assen’s decision reflects that reality. Rather than spending millions on FIA Grade 1 certification with little expectation of hosting a Grand Prix, the circuit has opted to prioritise the events that already form the foundation of its business.
Unless Formula 1’s calendar expands significantly or circumstances change in the coming years, the Netherlands now appears set to lose its place on the world championship schedule after Zandvoort’s farewell in 2026, with Assen no longer viewed as a realistic successor.
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