Official: Zandvoort returns in 2020!

The rumors of the past weeks have been confirmed today: Zandvoort will indeed be on the Formula One calendar starting in 2020. Located not far from Amsterdam, the Dutch Grand Prix is finally making its return to the pinnacle of motorsport. The last one was in 1985. The race was won by the triple world champion Austrian, Niki Lauda, the most successful driver on Dutch soil. 30 editions have been contested on this track, also marked by the death of Roger Williamson in 1973.

We also already know the sponsor of this new Grand Prix, which is none other than the alcohol brand Heineken, a loyal partner of F1. It should be noted that a 3-year contract has already been signed. While this news delights the local hero, Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz should be less happy. The arrival of Zandvoort almost inevitably signals the end of the Spanish Grand Prix, as the Barcelona circuit is considered not conducive enough to overtaking.

On the calendar side, the Dutch Grand Prix should take the place of the Spanish Grand Prix on the second Sunday in May.

However, the Dutch track also raises questions about its ability to provide exciting races and on-track battles. Zandvoort is indeed very fast and filled with narrow turns.

Take a look at the Zandvoort Circuit #DutchGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/wndiiF8dUZ — Formula 1 (@F1) May 14

And thanks to Max Verstappen, you can already discover the Dutch track for real!

Jump on board with Max for a lap of the Zandvoort circuit as #F1 announces the return of the #DutchGP More here https://t.co/8FhaFTuz2o pic.twitter.com/NJbn8lI6fo — Aston Martin Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) May 14

Max Verstappen:« It’s just a legendary circuit! I compare this track to Suzuka: it will be very fast and a real challenge because there are some banked corners. Some sections are narrow with no run-off areas. It will be very tough to find the limit here!

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In any case, the 2020 calendar is becoming clearer with the addition of this event and the brand new Vietnamese Grand Prix, held in the streets of the capital, Hanoi. The next season is expected to feature 21 Grand Prix, according to recent statements by Chase Carey, CEO of Formula 1. One of the current Grand Prix is therefore at risk: among those threatened are the circuits of Silverstone, Hockenheim, and Mexico. The trend leans more towards the disappearance of the Mexican Grand Prix, threatened after the government subsidies in the country were halted.

Finally, let’s also remember that the Brazilian Grand Prix is expected to change location, following the announcement a week ago of the construction of a new circuit in Rio de Janeiro. Three new circuits are in the pipeline for the next season!