Lammers about Dutch GP: "Before the first of September is not a realistic date"

Friday afternoon it became clear that several mayors of major cities in the Netherlands want all events to be cancelled until 1 September. This will affect the Dutch GP because August will no longer be possible. GPblog made inquiries and called Jan Lammers, the sportsmanager.f directeur van de Dutch GP.

These are uncertain times in the Formula 1 world because of the corona crisis. The calender is by no means certain so the question remains whether we will get a Grand Prix at Zandvoort this year.

No concrete questions to Dutch GP by the FOM

Jan Lammers would undoubtedly have imagined things differently these weeks, but he fully understands the situation. It emphasizes that there are more important things at the moment than a Formula 1 race and that logically we have to take a step back.

As far as the Formula 1 calendar is concerned, the latest rumour is that it is possible to drive in Austria without an audience at the beginning of July. For the Dutch GP the dilemma without public racing doesn't play out yet. Jan Lammers hasn't had any concrete questions in this direction yet.

"Yes at the moment they are of course, just like in football, looking in all possible ways when we can get going again. For the moment it seems that the first Grand Prix will be held in Austria, where they might do two races without an audience. Again, I don't know how many questions are being asked, but we haven't had any concrete questions yet, I'm happy about that. When I say 'circuit director' I don't have to think about riding without an audience. That would be a mortal shame, but we have to wait and see".

No realistic date

It seems that the possible new date for the Dutch GP is not in August. Of course, this has everything to do with the policy that is being pursued from The Hague, to which all organisers must listen. Mayors have asked The Hague to cancel all events until 1 September. According to Lammers, a race in August was not a logical scenario so this request has no direct influence. "That is not very relevant to us because 1 September would not be a realistic date anyway. So that (request of the mayors) does not have much relevance for us."

A possible new date later in the year is to wait but Lammers keeps the door open because organizing is possible, although it has to fit with all other stakeholders. "We were ready to start at the beginning of May. Logistics can do it anytime, healthily. But in this case it's all about practicality."

10,000 people present

So the Dutch GP has not yet had a request to organize a race behind closed doors. In case they do, it is not said that there are no people present. A race without an audience does not mean that there are no people present.

"Races where there wouldn't be many spectators are easier to drive without an audience than Zandvoort, where there would be 100,000 people on Friday alone. If you say without an audience it starts with 10,000 people attending the race alone. From security guards, the teams, medical staff, business guests, you name it. Driving without an audience is not just said. There will still be a lot of people present."

A new date for the Dutch GP will most likely be further in the year than in the summer. Regardless of whether there will be an audience because there are already many thousands of people present apart from the fans. To be continued.