Towards a return of Zandvoort for the 2019 F1 season?
Bernie Ecclestone has a desire to host new Grand Prix in the future. Laguna Seca has positioned itself like the Nurburgring. A new candidate has just emerged: it is Zandvoort in the Netherlands.
During the 1985 season, the last Grand Prix on Dutch soil took place. This final edition saw Niki Lauda’s last victory in F1. Recently, VVD political party leader Jerry Kramer expressed great enthusiasm but is aware that the road is still long: “Everyone is excited, as is the city council. I think we must work together, the governments and businesses in the region.”
Last week, a motion passed at the city hall for the return of Formula 1 to Zandvoort, which represents a first step. The Dutch city is a historical Formula 1 venue, as Jerry Kramer reminds us in NU: « It’s a historic circuit, it would be great if we could get back on the calendar. I realize it will cost tens of millions of euros to bring Formula 1 back, but we should explore all possibilities ».
The circuit director, Eric Weijers, is optimistic for a return of F1: « There is a lot of money involved, but this is a first step. A concrete plan will be needed, but it takes time. Maybe in 2019 or 2020. For all this to be possible, three things are needed: firstly, the infrastructure must be improved; secondly, the circuit must be renovated, and finally, the financial criteria of F1 must be met. If all this is achieved, then we will have a Grand Prix in the Netherlands ».
He emphasizes the extraordinary atmosphere at the Mexican Grand Prix, suggesting that the Netherlands should take Mexico as an example: « More than 100,000 spectators attended the race. It was a fantastic comeback for Mexico, and it can be the same for the Netherlands. The FIA is truly open to the return of former Grand Prix events, as well as new races ».
