Feature

Your Fan Guide to F1 ACADEMY at the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN DUTCH GRAND PRIX 2026

20 August 2026
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Goedendag Zandvoort! We can't wait to get the party started as the F1 ACADEMY action returns at the FORMULA 1 HEINEKEN DUTCH GRAND PRIX 2026.

Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or enjoying F1 ACADEMY for the first time, we can't wait to welcome you for Round 4 of the 2026 season. If you're looking to experience a real-life racing paddock or catch a glimpse of your favourite drivers, don't worry as we've got you covered with all the information you'll need to know this weekend at the Circuit Zandvoort...

SESSION TIMES

Running from August 21-23, the F1 ACADEMY gets underway on Friday, with the one and only Free Practice session at 14:00 to 14:40 local time (UTC+2).

Saturday sees a bumper day of action, kicking off with the 30-minute Qualifying session from 09:20 to 09:50. The top eight drivers from that session will be reversed to set the grid for the afternoon's Reverse Grid Race, which takes place from 14:35 to 15:10.

The fourth Round draws to a close on Grand Prix Sunday, when the lights go out for the Feature Race at 10:30 until 11:15.

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FOLLOW THE SESSIONS

F1 ACADEMY Qualifying and both races are available to watch for free live on the F1 ACADEMY YouTube channel.

All sessions can also be viewed on F1 TV and on select broadcasters around the world.

You can also follow along with all the action on our Live Timing page.

HOW TO FIND US & PADDOCK OPENING TIMES

Located down from Gate 2 and near to the F1 Fanzone, the F1 ACADEMY paddock will be accessible to all ticket holders and open at the following times:

  • Friday: 10:00 - 13:00 & 15:30 - 18:30
  • Saturday: 10:40 - 13:15 & 16:00 - 18:30
  • Sunday: 12:05 - 14:30
Come and see your favourite drivers at our signing sessions and Fan Stage appearance
Come and see your favourite drivers at our signing sessions and Fan Stage appearance

DRIVER SIGNING SESSION

Want a chance to meet your favourite drivers? F1 ACADEMY will be running three autograph signing sessions across the weekend:

  • Friday: 11:00 - 11:30
  • Saturday: 11:00 - 11:30
  • Sunday: 12:30 - 13:00

Additionally, LEGO Racing's Esmee Kosterman will be having her own exclusive signing sessions on Friday and Saturday:

  • Friday: 11:30 - 11:45
  • Saturday: 11:35 - 11:50

Places will be limited for both autograph signing. For the F1 ACADEMY autograph session, you can pick up your wristband at 09:00 each day from the paddock to guarantee your spot.

FANZONE STAGE APPEARANCES

You can catch some of the stars of the 2026 season over on the F1 Fanstage from 09:40 to 10:00 on Friday. Hear from home heroes Nina Gademan and Esmee Kosterman alongside Alba Larsen, Mathilda Paatz and our Zandvoort Wild Card driver Zoe Florescu.