22/08/2025 15:40
Next weekend represents the penultimate Dutch Grand Prix, with
Zandvoort to fall off the F1 calendar after 2026. Despite still
having two F1 races to host, the Dutch venue is already preparing
for life after the pinnacle of motorsport. Zandvoort being removed
from the calendar represents a pivotal change in F1, with it
marking a classic circuit leaving the series. For the circuit, it
will be a memorable two editions of the Dutch GP, although next
weekend's event still feels normal for Zandvoort general director
Robert van Overdijk. Asked if next weekend's event feels special,
van Overdijk told RacingNews365 : "I don't think so yet. If you ask
me this next year, I'll say absolutely yes. "The final edition
will, I think, maybe evoke the same emotions in a different way as
the very first edition. Of course, we all know that this event is
so big in the Netherlands." He continued: "But if we soon stop
after 2026, Formula 1 will shift its focus back to other
continents. Everyone senses that next year will be a very special
one. After that it won't come back to the Netherlands for years.
And maybe never again." F1 disappointment Zandvoort announced in
2024 that 2026 would mark its last season hosting F1, with the
track set to host a Sprint weekend next year as a farewell
memento. As revealed by van Overdijk, FOM were disappointed when
informed of Zandvoort's decision, but a general understanding on
why the choice had been made. "Initially - and this also made us
proud - disappointment that we made this decision," revealed van
Overdijk. "But from their side there was also understanding why we
took this decision. "They know better than anyone else, of course,
that we, along with Silverstone, are the only Grand Prix that has
to do without a single euro of subsidy." According to van Overdijk,
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali is sad to see Zandvoort depart, having
praised the venue for how it has hosted recent races. "They find it
unfortunate, because of course Stefano Domenicali in particular has
been shouting in recent years that we have set a new benchmark in
the world of Formula 1," said Zandvoort's general director. We are
also proud of that. He added: "And on the other hand, he knows that
we have to make do with three small parties: Circuit Zandvoort, TIG
Sports and SportVibes. We are simply on the hook for this
mega-event at our own expense and risk. "Those risks stop
sometime, so there is also a lot of understanding from them. We
still work great together and we both know that we still have to
turn the last two editions into very fantastic ones." Despite F1's
disappointment at Zandvoort's decision to stop hosting the
championship after next year, the track's owners do not regret the
call. "No, that thought process and those discussions about whether
or not to continue, we have of course completed that trajectory,"
said van Overdijk. "That didn't go without a fight, so it was just
a clear choice. And from the moment you've made that choice, you're
just looking forward." Zandvoort's future Looking ahead is
something Zandvoort is already doing beyond 2026. Talks are already
underway to bring another racing class to the Netherlands.
"Ultimately, we only have four UBO (no sound limit) weekends in the
year," explained van Overdijk. "One of those will be released in
2027. "Of course I've been talking to different parties who are
interested in that for quite some time. What's important to us as a
circuit is that something comes in return. It can never be as big
as Formula 1, but you shouldn't be looking for that either."
Formula E recently confirmed to RacingNews365 that it has held
conversations with Zandvoort over a potential race from 2027 , when
the Gen4 era is introduced. However, when it comes to personal
preference, Van Overdijk has an eye on the United States. "It has
to provide spectacle," he insisted. "I personally - but that's my
personal opinion - do like to look across the pond to America with
a slanted eye. "And whether that's IndyCar or NASCAR, I'll leave
that for a while. I think both are spectacular and you can create a
very cool show around them. But again, that's my personal
preference."
