"Many good memories from there!" - Drivers react to Dutch Grand Prix announcement

After the official announcement of Zandvoort being the host of the Dutch Grand Prix from next year onwards, many drivers have reacted to the news, with Valtteri Bottas praising the atmosphere there from back in his Formula 3 days.

The beachside circuit has previously hosted Grands Prix, but not since 1985, when Niki Lauda won it. Although many sources confirmed the arrival of the Dutch Grand Prix many weeks ago, the official announcement wasn't until this morning.

Although Zandvoort has been criticised for its lack of overtaking opportunities, many Formula 1 drivers have reacted positively to the news, as testing in Barcelona takes place this week.

“I loved Zandvoort during my junior times in F3, Formula BMW, A1," says Renault driver Nico Hülkenberg. "Good memories from there. Cool track, great location. And obviously Dutchies are already fired up and ready for a good party.”

However, the German was quick to highlight the track's lack of overtaking action.

“Even in F3, it was almost impossible to pass. The track layout is not the most inviting for overtaking and racing, unfortunately.”

Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas added that the atmosphere around the track is a great one, as he remembers from his Formula 3 days.

“Making mistakes there in the high-speed section it’s going to be very penalising," the five-time Grand Prix winner said. 

"We feel a bit more we are risking ourselves in that kind of track which is a nice feeling for a driver. So I look forward to it.

“Even Formula 3 races there was a lot of people, a lot of spectators, good atmosphere. Many good memories from there. It’s going to be nice.”