F1. The manager of the Zandvoort circuit, Robert van Overdijk, says that 2025 could be the last Dutch GP, but he is hopeful for an extension. The negotiations mainly revolve around the financial challenges that the circuit can no longer face.
As we approach the end of the 2024 season, the grid is gearing up for the Dutch GP in Zandvoort. Max's favorite track, the chances of this GP being the last in 2025 are increasing day by day.
Not all is lost for the circuit, and circuit officials, including director Robert van Overdijk, are still hoping for an extension.
It Could End Soon.
One of the biggest challenges for the Zandvoort circuit is the budget allocated for organizing the race. The circuit pays around 30 million euros a year to host the GP and is looking to negotiate a deal that is more financially viable for the continuation of the race. The increase in VAT and the projects that want to take place in the region pose a threat to the circuit that wants to remain on the calendar.
One of the peculiarities of Zandvoort is that the government does not provide financial or commercial support for the Dutch GP. This puts extra pressure on the director to bring fans to the GP. It is clear that the Netherlands has benefited from Max's popularity in recent years, as he has been champion since 2021. But with more races and more expensive tickets, Zandvoort does not receive as much attention as it used to.
According to Van Overdijk, the circuit manager, it seems that it is already partially settled. If you ask factually, we will have the last race in Zandvoort in 2025. This does not mean that we will not work hard in the coming months and talk to all kinds of people and parties, he told the media. But I do not expect to see white smoke anytime soon. If all the pieces fall into place, we will be very positive. It is not guaranteed, he admits.
Don't Lose Hope Yet
Robert Van Overdijk says that, according to current information, it seems that the end of the GP in Zandvoort is very close if they do not find a solution soon. But he also says that an extension is being discussed. The real issues are financial, but this is also worsened by stricter regulations for circuits.
The Dutch GP benefits from Max's growing popularity, making it more attractive. But the increase in races and the new GPs in wealthy countries like Saudi Arabia and Qatar put extra pressure on traditional events like Zandvoort.
One of the proposed solutions to keep Zandvoort on the calendar would be to implement a biannual rotation. Previously done with Nürburgring, this would mean that Zandvoort would be on the calendar every two years while another circuit would be on the calendar every year. This would reduce costs and would have a multi-year contract.
For now, the circuit being considered is Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. Zandvoort would be on the calendar one year and Spa-Francorchamps the following year. But although the idea is perfect, Spa-Francorchamps wants to keep its annual spot on the calendar, so it does not seem to be an option for now.
But talks with the FOM are ongoing. Perhaps they will find a solution. There is still a chance that all parties will reach a decision to continue holding the race after 2025.
