“We Are Not an Oil State”: Zandvoort Circuit Director Takes a Jab at F1 Amidst Dutch GP Contract Renewal Discussion

Now, thanks to skyrocketing popularity and increasing demand for hosting an F1 race because of the lucrative ROI, the circuits have also become a part of the F1 silly season. We are already seeing venues that don’t even exist at the moment being included in the calendar and are expected to host races in the future. It all comes down to the massive revenues the F1 races are generating at the moment which is why every circuit is fighting for a renewal. This is also why Zandvoort, the host circuit for the Dutch GP, is undergoing massive changes away from the track as they look to renew their contract. However, the Zandvoort Circuit Director Robert van Overdijk couldn’t help but take a dig at F1 while discussing its future.

The biggest criticism Zandvoort faced was because of its lack of space away from the track around the paddock and the pit lanes. The pitlane of Zandvoort was extremely crammed up, so much so that teams couldn’t double stack. So the FIA and the FOM serve them an ultimatum stating the space needs to be increased if they wish to continue being on the calendar. They also ordered the management to create a pit box for an additional team.

“The pit lane has now been extended with six new pit boxes and a greater stopping distance. If they want to double-stack, that is possible,” reassured Van Overdijk, as quoted by F1 Maximaal. (Translated via Google)

Then the director revealed how Monaco is exempt from these standards and Zandvoort has to comply. “In Monaco, you have an even shorter distance,” says van Overdijk. “Everything is allowed there, we have to adapt. We currently fully comply with the FIA ​​standards.”

He also revealed Zandvoort is complying with all FIA standards because they aim to secure a renewal which won’t come easy. Why? In his own words, “We are not an oil state, where contracts are extended for ten or twelve years.” 

The circuit shares a long-standing relationship with the sport in the past. However, it made its modern return only in 2021 so to get a 10-year extension, Zandvoort is pulling out all the stops. If the concern is about the costs, once they renew, the circuit will recoup its investment, without a doubt.

The Dutch GP organizers fought the same battle in 2022 and won

A few years ago, F1 wasn’t handing out mega renewals like it is now to circuits. Earlier, the longest contract we saw a track being given was for a maximum of 5 years, which now feels like the minimum. So back in 2022, the Dutch GP was due to expire in 2023. However, a clause gave them an option to extend until 2025. As we all know, the option was exercised, but now the talks of renewal will need to begin again.

However, thanks to a certain Dutch world champion, the scales are tipped in Zandvoort’s favor. Because of the back-to-back championships, the Dutch fans flock to Zandvoort now to support their champion and the circuit earns massive revenues from the ticket sales. In fact, in 2022, the circuit hosted 110,000 people per day.

The circuit also hosts other events, but the Formula 1 event is always the main attraction and the current renovations are all because of the FIA and FOM’s demands. Let’s hope their efforts win them a renewal well into the future.

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