Fans complain about unsafe crowding in Zandvoort, organisers respond

After the sessions on Friday and Saturday, social media featured images of overcrowded walkways between the grandstands, along with claims that fans were stuck. Others complained that there was no crowd control, resulting in dangerous situations. Some fans reported not feeling safe as people to their left and right tried to squeeze past, leading to huge bottlenecks.

Of course, a disclaimer is necessary regarding images and reactions on social media, as it is possible that things are being blown out of proportion. However, GPblog has a staff member who is attending the Dutch Grand Prix this weekend as a supporter.

He confirmed the enormous crowds and gave as an example that on Saturday it took 1.5 hours to walk from the hairpin to the Fanzone. According to the GPblog editor, people cheered when, after shuffling along for a long time, they finally left the massive queue behind them.

The Dutch Grand Prix organization says it is aware that the venue is crowded but points out that the available space is simply limited. They say they are doing everything possible to make it as safe as possible for spectators. They also note that other circuits around the world experience crowds and queues as well.

When it was suggested that fewer tickets should perhaps have been sold to create extra space, the organization pointed out that, after extensive analyses by the relevant authorities, a permit was issued for 105,000 spectators. That number is indeed present this Sunday for the final day of the race weekend.

In any case, the organization is urging fans again this Sunday to arrive at the circuit as early as possible and head to their seats in the grandstands.