This year, the Dutch Grand Prix is scheduled for September 5th. For the organisation at Circuit Zandvoort it is of crucial importance that spectators can attend. Although September still seems a long way off, time is running out for this season as well.
A Grand Prix without an audience or without compensation for the absence of spectators is not an option for Zandvoort. The organisers of the Dutch Grand Prix have always been clear about this. Nevertheless, circuit director Robert van Overdijk told Formule1.nl that he is confident that the race will take place, if necessary at 'another time'.
Clarity before July 1st
Something that would really help, is clarity, preferably before July 1, when they plan to start the build-up. "Look at Australia last year: it was cancelled at the last minute and they had to pay a huge amount of money. So you want clarity before that point. If there isn't, you have to weigh up whether you want to take the risk of building up. But we don't think it will come to that, there will be clarity in time," Van Overdijk said.
July 1st is not just any date. Whether or not the Grand Prix of the Netherlands will take place, will largely depend on the extent to which the Dutch population is vaccinated against Covid-19. Health Minister Hugo de Jonge has stated early March that the intention is that every Dutch person is vaccinated at least once before July 1st.