Dutch GP start time: When lights go out at Zandvoort, and how to watch
Summer break’s done, the dunes are awake, and Zandvoort’s grandstands are about to turn a very loud shade of orange again. The Dutch Grand Prix returns this weekend, with Max Verstappen carrying the weight of an entire nation’s expectation — though last year, it was another shade of orange (papaya) that stole the show when Lando Norris nicked the win.
Here’s everything you need to know to catch the race live, wherever you are.
When does the Dutch Grand Prix start?
The Dutch GP gets underway at 3:00pm local time on Sunday 31 August 2025. That translates to:
– United States and Canada: 6:00am Pacific, 9:00am Eastern
– Mexico (Mexico City): 7:00am
– United Kingdom: 2:00pm
– Central Europe: 3:00pm
– South Africa: 3:00pm
– Gulf Standard Time: 5:00pm
– India: 6:30pm
– Indonesia (WIB): 8:00pm
– China: 9:00pm
– Japan: 10:00pm
– Australia (AEST): 11:00pm
– New Zealand (NZST): 1:00am, Monday 1 September
Note: If you’re outside these time zones or observing local daylight-saving quirks, double-check your listings.
How to watch on TV
Rights vary by territory, but here’s where the race is broadcast across major markets:
– Argentina: Fox Sports
– Australia: Fox Sports
– Brazil: BandSports, TV Bandeirantes
– Canada: RDS (French), TSN (English)
– Central Asia: Setanta Sports
– China: CCTV
– France: Canal+
– Germany: Sky Sport F1, RTL
– India: FanCode
– Italy: Sky Sport F1
– Japan: DAZN, Fuji TV
– Latin America (except Argentina and Mexico): ESPN
– Mexico: Fox Sports
– Middle East and North Africa: beIN Sports
– Netherlands: Viaplay, NOS
– New Zealand: Sky Sport, Prime (highlights)
– Republic of Ireland: Sky Sports F1, Channel 4 UK (highlights)
– South Korea: Coupang Play
– Spain: DAZN
– Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
– United Kingdom: Sky Sports F1 (live), Channel 4 (highlights)
– United States: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Streaming options
– United Kingdom: Sky Go and NOW stream every session live if you’re subscribed.
– F1 TV Pro: Available in selected territories worldwide. It offers live timing, every onboard camera, full sessions, and pre/post-race shows. You can watch via Apple TV, Chromecast (Gen 2+), Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku. Commentary is available in multiple languages and there are no ad breaks on the main world feed.
Race distance
Like most rounds on the calendar, Zandvoort runs to a race distance of approximately 305km, which equals 72 laps of the seaside circuit. If weather or stoppages intervene, the two-hour time limit applies within a three-hour window.
Why this one matters
Zandvoort is Verstappen country, full stop — but it hasn’t been a procession. Strategy, safety cars and changing conditions have a habit of stirring the pot here, and 2024’s win for Norris proved the locals don’t always get the fairytale. The atmosphere? Still unmatched. The demands? High. Miss the start and you’ll spend the next hour playing catch-up — and that’s just on your sofa.
Plan your Sunday accordingly. Lights out is at 3pm local. The rest is noise.
