Will Zandvoort stay on the calendar longer? 'Decision later this year'

The organization of the Zandvoort Grand Prix has a three-year contract with Formula 1 with an option for two more editions. Although the first race in 2021 was a resounding success, the option for the other two editions has not yet been claimed. However, a decision will be made this year.

It seems an easy choice after the immense success of the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985 to immediately claim the option in the contract. Yet it has not been decided yet. Motorsport.com reports that Formula 1 is very eager to continue with the circuit in the dunes of Zandvoort, but the organization of the circuit itself and one of the Dutch GP-directors Robert van Overdijk say that there are still discussions going on and that a decision will be made this year.

There is no ambiguity about the will to continue. Van Overdijk says that both parties are very positive and that they clearly want to extend. It remains to be seen whether all the pieces of the puzzle fit. With such large-scale events there is a lot of consultation involved. Van Overdijk says that it is an event that has to make do with private sponsors and no government support, which makes some things more difficult. There is special thanks for the municipality of Zandvoort. The municipality stuck its neck out to bring F1 to the Netherlands.

The decision about a possible fourth and fifth year will be made later this year. The organisation thinks it's best to do that after the second edition has taken place. The organization says they have big plans. Not only do they want to surpass the fan experience of 2021, but also financially they hope for growth. With the reduced corona restrictions it looks like, for now, that should work.