Dutch prince dreams of F1 race at Zandvoort

  • Published on 15 Feb 2016 12:05
  • comments 2
  • By: Rob Veenstra

Zandvoort, an iconic former F1 circuit, could revive the long-defunct Dutch grand prix. Late last year, we reported that the track - famously nestled among coastal sand dunes and a host of more than 30 grands prix until 1985 - was once again being linked with the F1 calendar. "Everyone is enthusiastic about it, so I think the government and industry needs to tackle it together," a local politician said.

Now, the Dutch newspapers Algemeen Dagblad and De Telegraaf are reporting that Zandvoort has been bought by Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau. He is the son of Princess Margriet Francisca, the aunt of the reigning monarch. Reportedly, the prince and a business partner bought Zandvoort from Hans Ernst, who has owned the track for almost three decades.

When asked about the possibility of F1 returning to Holland, prince Bernhard said: "That is the ultimate dream." He said the track will be developed. "Assen has been well developed, and Zandvoort will follow, meaning that along with Zolder in Belgium there will be a strong triangle of circuits in this part of Europe," added the prince. (GMM)

Replies (2)

Login to reply
  • It would be nice to have another historic track coming back, but I fail to see how it will be able to return, the calendar is pretty much stuffed at the moment. Unless one GP collapses and they could implement a european GP and let Zandvoort and a few other tracks take turns.

    • + 0
    • Feb 15 2016 - 13:27
  • khasmir

    Posts: 893

    No Dutch prince can put Zandvoort on the crowded F1 calendar. There is no way to compete with countries that get huge amounts of government (oil) funding.
    A dream, that is all it is and will remain so unless they can find some serious funding and a serious organizer instead of "some prince with a dream" ;)

    • + 0
    • Feb 16 2016 - 22:17

BE Grand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

BEGrand Prix of Belgium

Local time 

World Championship standings 2024

Show full world champion standings

Test calendar

See full test schedule

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Bahrain
29 - Mar 2
Bahrain
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia
22 - Mar 24
Australia
5 - Apr 7
Japan
19 - Apr 21
China
3 - May 5
United States of America
17 - May 19
Italy
24 - May 26
Monaco
7 - Jun 9
Canada
21 - Jun 23
Spain
28 - Jun 30
Austria
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom
19 - Jul 21
Hungary
26 - Jul 28
Belgium
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands
30 - Sep 1
Italy
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan
20 - Sep 22
Singapore
18 - Oct 20
United States of America
25 - Oct 27
Mexico
1 - Nov 3
Brazil
22 - Nov 24
United States of America
29 - Dec 1
Qatar
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2024

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
29 - Mar 2
7 - Mar 9
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
22 - Mar 24
Australia Albert Park
5 - Apr 7
19 - Apr 21
3 - May 5
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
17 - May 19
24 - May 26
Monaco Monte Carlo
7 - Jun 9
21 - Jun 23
28 - Jun 30
Austria Red Bull Ring
5 - Jul 7
United Kingdom Silverstone
19 - Jul 21
Hungary Hungaroring
26 - Jul 28
23 - Aug 25
Netherlands Circuit Zandvoort
30 - Sep 1
Italy Monza
13 - Sep 15
Azerbaijan Baku City Circuit
20 - Sep 22
18 - Oct 20
United States of America Circuit of the Americas
25 - Oct 27
1 - Nov 3
Brazil Interlagos
22 - Nov 24
United States of America Las Vegas Street Circuit
29 - Dec 1
6 - Dec 8
United Arab Emirates Yas Marina Circuit
See full schedule
show sidebar