Zandvoort’s inability to meet extension conditions casts doubt on its F1 future beyond 2025.
Robert van Overdijk, the chief of Zandvoort circuit which hosts the popular Dutch Grand Prix, has unsettling news for Formula 1 and Max Verstappen fans.
He warns that, currently, the future of the race is seriously uncertain beyond the end of the 2025 contract.
“At the moment,” he acknowledged in the Spa paddock where he was present on Friday, “the risks are too great, but of course, we are doing everything we can to see if a race post-2025 is still feasible.”
“It is clear that the situation is precarious.”
According to him, the issue is not “the relationship with Formula 1,” which he says is “still fantastic.”
“But I hope that everyone in the Netherlands also realizes that hosting such a major event in our country is not straightforward.”
“We have succeeded in recent years thanks to a number of parties who dared to take risks.”
The problem, therefore, is purely financial, including the risk that authorities might increase the VAT on ticket sales (sports, shows, etc.) from 9% to 21%.
And the expected bill to renew the Grand Prix (without alternation) would also increase by 20%, rising from 30 million euros per year instead of the current 25.
This would require a 35% average increase in ticket prices to break even without any other income (sponsors, advertisements, side activities, etc.).
“At the moment, it’s not financially feasible,” confirmed van Overdijk.
“If you’re asking for facts, it’s currently true that we will have the last race next year.”
And he does not expect the situation to change, at least in the near future.
“I don’t expect white smoke to be visible soon. We really need time for that.”
“We need to survey the market for fan interest and the business world, and governments and the entire surrounding economic environment must remain such that the risk is bearable.”
The good news is that the 2024 edition of the Dutch GP, scheduled just after the summer break, will once again be a sold-out event.
“We want to work on a longer-term commitment from all stakeholders before extending the contract. That means we will continue to work hard in the coming months. But there isn’t just one reason why we wouldn’t have a Grand Prix at Zandvoort after 2025. There are lots of things to sort out and, at the moment, the planets are not aligned.”
- You may also like>Hamilton Critiques Max: No Pass for Piastri
- Following us on>Facebook and>Twitter
Uncertain Future for Zandvoort’s F1 Contract Post-2025 Uncertain Future for Zandvoort’s F1 Contract Post-2025
