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Zandvoort now sole option for future Dutch GP

Published on 04 Mar 2019 17:23
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By: Fergal Walsh

Zandvoort is the only Dutch circuit that is still in contention to host a Dutch Grand Prix in the near future, with a deadline set for the end of March.

The Netherlands has been working on the return of the Dutch GP for a couple of years following the rise and success of Max Verstappen in Formula 1. The last time the country hosted an F1 world championship event was in 1985.

Flocks of Dutch fans have ventured to nearby races around Europe over the last number of years, as Dutch organisers pushed to get a race secured. Zandvoort and Assen emerged as the front runners, but it has now been revealed that Assen is no longer in the equation.

In an open letter issued by the Netherland Sports Council (NLsportraad), it confirmed that Zandvoort remains the only option available as a potential venue. The letter also revealed that the Dutch government would not subsidise the event, leaving it to search for independent funds.

"Circuit Zandvoort explained that there are sponsor partners that are interested but their confidence in the business case of Zandvoort might have decreased because the central government chose to only facilitate the plans and not provide subsidy," the letter stated

"This explanation is consistent with the findings of the NLsportraad that the confidence of companies increases when the central government is willing to facilitate and invest. Sport events flourish with public-private partnerships.

"Furthermore the management of circuit Zandvoort noticed that potential sponsors are becoming increasingly wary because of messages in the media about the (alleged) competition between circuit Zandvoort and circuit Assen.

"Direct contact between the NLsportraad and the responsible manager of FOM made it clear that circuit Zandvoort is the only candidate in the Netherlands suitable to organize a Formula 1 race in the Netherlands because of the history and the close proximity of big cities and airports.

"FOM stated that the only possibility of the Formula 1 race being awarded to the Netherlands is if the business case of Zandvoort is completed in time to the deadlines discussed.

"The NLsportraad sincerely hopes that Circuit Zandvoort is able to partner with (Dutch) companies for sponsorship at such short notice. The NLsportraad appeals to the national government, provinces and cities to discuss the ways in which the organization of this event can be supported and used in such a way that the social returns are optimised.

"The NLsportraad is of the opinion that organizing a Formula 1 race provides a unique opportunity for many Dutch sport fans to enjoy motorsports and their hero Max Verstappen. If utilised well, the Formula 1 race also offers opportunities to develop the region and to promote the Netherlands in many different ways.

"Cooperation is crucial: cooperation between private and public parties, cooperation within the public sector and cooperation between government departments."

Ram Samartha

Posts: 1,172

It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I don't envy any venue that wants to get in to F1 without some sort of state/municipal subsidy. The state would likely have to see some value in bringing the international racing fan market in, whereas if it's just a potential business venture the... [Read more]

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Mar 4 2019 - 19:55

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Replies (1)

Ram Samartha

Posts: 1,172
It will be interesting to see how this plays out. I don't envy any venue that wants to get in to F1 without some sort of state/municipal subsidy. The state would likely have to see some value in bringing the international racing fan market in, whereas if it's just a potential business venture the promoter has to do something really special to make it big enough and profitable enough to go through with it. Holland has a significant amount of tourist appeal going for it, as well as a beloved national driver, so they might be able to pull off a profitable spectacle. Red Bull is also usually good for some additional theatrics that would probably make for a good show. I wish them luck but I'm skeptical that if established venues in England, France and Germany are having a tough time funding a GP without state subsidies, I kind of doubt the Dutch will be able to pull it off. Desire to make it happen, doesn't necessarily make it happen, even if you've got a Verstappen. Couldn't resist.
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- Mar 4 2019 - 19:55