Analysis
Wet conditions forecast for Dutch Grand Prix
The upcoming Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort could see the first wet running for 2026-specification Formula 1 cars, with rain predicted for Saturday's sprint event.
The Formula 1 paddock arrives in Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix facing the distinct possibility of wet weather, marking a potential first for the 2026-specification cars in a competitive session. Current forecasts indicate a significant chance of rain on Saturday, which would introduce an unprecedented challenge given the dry conditions throughout the season thus far.
Zandvoort's Weather Outlook
Rain is most likely on Saturday at the Dutch Grand Prix, according to current weather projections. There is a 60 percent chance of rain in the morning, ahead of the sprint race scheduled for 12:00 local time (11:00 UK time) on Saturday. Temperatures are expected to be around 18 degrees Celsius. Friday shows a small chance of thundery rain showers, with highs of 19 degrees Celsius. Sunday, however, is forecast to be dry and sunny, with temperatures of 17 degrees Celsius at the 15:00 local time (14:00 UK time) race start. This contrasts with previous attempts at wet running, such as the Miami and Canadian Grands Prix, where rain threats ultimately did not materialise during any track sessions, according to Crash.net.
First Wet Running for 2026 Cars
Despite numerous instances of rain threatening Formula 1 weekends earlier in the 2026 season, including the Miami and Belgian Grands Prix, all 11 rounds completed to date have taken place entirely in dry conditions. This unprecedented scenario means that teams have not yet experienced collective track time with the new regulations in wet weather. Only a few teams conducted wet weather running during pre-season shakedowns in Barcelona, leaving the majority untested under such circumstances, according to Crash.net.
Championship Implications Amidst Uncertainty
Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli currently leads the Drivers' Championship with 219 points, holding a substantial 50-point advantage over Ferrari's Lewis Hamilton, who has 169 points. George Russell, also from Mercedes, follows closely with 160 points. Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc sits in fourth position with 138 points, while McLaren's Lando Norris, who secured his first victory of the season at the Hungarian Grand Prix, has 128 points, according to BBC Sport. Max Verstappen of Red Bull holds 109 points. Wet conditions could significantly influence the competitive order, potentially offering an opportunity for drivers and teams more adept at managing challenging grip levels.
Zandvoort's Farewell Event
This year's Dutch Grand Prix marks the final appearance for the circuit on the Formula 1 calendar. The 4.259km track, situated in a North Sea coastal holiday town, returned to the calendar in 2021 after a 36-year absence. Despite consistently attracting sell-out crowds, largely composed of fans supporting home hero Max Verstappen, the event has reportedly faced financial challenges, according to BBC Sport. Verstappen previously dominated at Zandvoort, winning the first three editions after its return. However, McLaren drivers broke his winning streak, with Norris taking the chequered flag in 2024 and Oscar Piastri securing victory in 2025. Finnish interest lies with Valtteri Bottas, who currently holds 21st position in the Drivers' Championship with no points.
Status And Sources
This story is labelled Analysis, which means this is our reading of facts that are already established. The rules behind those labels are in the editorial policy, and the desk that published it is Eero Lahtinen.
Written from the following reporting. Each link goes to the newsroom's own page, not to an aggregator:
