Formula 1 will continue to race at Zandvoort until at least 2025 following the signing of a new contract with Dutch Grand Prix organisers.
The popular Dutch Grand Prix will continue until at least 2025 after a new deal was agreed between Formula 1 and Zandvoort. The new contract adds another two races on to the seaside circuit’s original deal – the final race of which was set to take place in 2023.
Zandvoort was originally scheduled to make its comeback to the Formula 1 calendar following a 35-year absence in 2020 but the coronavirus pandemic delayed the track’s return by one year. The event attracted huge interest, with over a million fans applying for tickets.
The 2021 Dutch Grand Prix had to be run at two thirds capacity due to pandemic-related restrictions. In 2022, the race was held at full capacity and attracted over 300,000 fans across the 3-day weekend.
Much of the Dutch Grand Prix’s success is down to Max Verstappen and his legion of loyal supporters. Verstappen has won each of the last two races at the circuit on his way to championship titles. Next year, Dutch supporters will have two home drivers to cheer on, with Formula E champion Nyck de Vries competing in his first full Formula 1 season with AlphaTauri.
The 2023 Dutch Grand Prix is set to take place on August 25-27, as the first race after the summer break. Tickets for the event have already sold out, though some VIP packages remain available in our ticket shop and via F1 Experiences.
Dutch Grand Prix praised for sustainability efforts
Given the event’s popularity, it is no surprise that the Dutch Grand Prix has been able to secure a contract extension. Formula 1 estimates that this year’s Zandvoort race “will have contributed to additional spending in Zandvoort and the Amsterdam region of around €65 million”.
Not only is the event a major boost for the local economy, the event has also received praise for its sustainability efforts. In a statement, Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali spoke of how the event has “raised the bar”:
“The Dutch Grand Prix has quickly established itself on the calendar as a fan favourite, bringing incredible energy and a great fan experience every year. The sold-out events in the last two years have raised the bar in terms of organisation, entertainment, and sustainability, and we are delighted to extend our relationship with them. There is huge demand to host F1 races so it is testament to what the team have done to cement Zandvoort on the calendar until 2025, and we can’t wait to return next summer.”
Sustainable fan travel has been one of the key focusses for Dutch Grand Prix organisers since the event’s return. In 2022, it is believed that 99% of general admission ticket holders reached Zandvoort by public transport, bike or walking.
No long-term Dutch Grand Prix deal for Zandvoort
Unlike some venues, Zandvoort has not been able to secure a longer-term deal. A recent trend has been for circuits to sign long contracts, extending well into the next decade. Seven venues have contracts which last until at least 2030.
Robert van Overdijk, director of the Dutch Grand Prix, explained over the summer that it is not possible for Zandvoort to sign a long-term deal as the event is 100% privately funded and receives no financial support from the government.
The longest current contract is for Bahrain International Circuit, which signed up to host Formula 1 until 2036 in June 2022 in one of the longest race deals ever signed. Meanwhile, Albert Park will continue as host of the Australian Grand Prix until 2035. The Qatar, Canadian and Miami Grands Prix will be on the calendar until 2031, while the Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix are locked in until 2030.
The Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps is the only event yet to secure a deal beyond 2023, but races at Monza, Silverstone, Suzuka and Baku City Circuit need to sign new contracts soon to remain on F1’s ever-expanding schedule after 2024.
