The Netherlands is home to some of the most exciting race cars and drivers around. And now, it will be home to the Dutch Grand Prix until at least 2025! After a successful return to the calendar in 2021, the race at Zandvoort has been extended for an additional two years, providing an exciting opportunity for fans to support their favorite teams and drivers.
The new deal with Formula 1 sees races added in 2024 and 2025, allowing for even more fan excitement over the next few years. With Red Bull’s Max Verstappen having won both races so far this year, it’s clear that this Dutch driver is one to watch. Plus, come 2023, another Dutch driver will join the grid with Nyck de Vries joining Williams. This only adds to the anticipation of what’s sure to be an incredible event each year.
The success of this event is due in part to Formula 1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali. He has said that “the Dutch Grand Prix has quickly established itself on the calendar as a fan favorite” and that it brings “incredible levels of passion from thousands of supporters from across Europe who have made their way here every year since its return”. Clearly, his support for this race has helped make it a success and ensure its continuation up until 2025.
The Circuit Zandvoort is a circuit steeped in history, having been one of the original circuits for Formula 1 racing since 1950. Over the years, the track has become outdated and its place on the calendar has been threatened. However, thanks to the rise of Dutch driver Max Verstappen, interest in F1 racing has been reignited in his home country and organizers have revived the race to capitalize on his success. Let’s take a closer look at how this revival came about.
Verstappen’s Rise
Max Verstappen shot to fame when he became Formula 1’s youngest ever driver at just 17 years old in 2015 and he quickly established himself as a frontrunner with Red Bull. In 2016, he won his first race at Spain’s Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya and went on to win six races over the next four seasons. His success sparked renewed interest in F1 racing among Dutch fans and local authorities saw an opportunity to revive Circuit Zandvoort’s role in F1 racing.
The Revived Race
In 2018, it was announced that Circuit Zandvoort would be returning to host a Grand Prix for the first time since 1985. The original three-year deal was due to begin in 2020 but had to be postponed until 2021 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite this setback, events over the past two years have convinced both F1 officials and local authorities that it will be beneficial for them both to extend its original three-year contract beyond 2024.
Modernization of Facilities
In order for Zandvoort’s return to be successful, local authorities have invested heavily in modernizing facilities at the circuit including upgrades to run-off areas, an improved pit lane complex and even new spectator seating areas around some of its iconic corners such as Arie Luyendyk Bocht (Arie Luyendyk Corner) and Tarzanbocht (Tarzan Corner). This investment means that spectators will enjoy a much better experience when they come along to watch some of Formula 1’s most exciting races next year.
Zandvoort is one of Formula 1’s most iconic circuits with decades’ worth of history behind it. Thanks to Max Verstappen’s rise in popularity among Dutch fans and substantial modernisation efforts from local authorities, Zandvoort is now set for a return as part of Formula 1’s official calendar from 2021 onwards with an extended contract beyond 2024 likely on the cards too. It will certainly be exciting for fans who have waited so long for this moment!