The Dutch Grand Prix is set for a Formula 1 date switch in 2023 as the calendar is shuffled around. F1 returned to the Netherlands in 2021 to capitalise on the Max Verstappen effect, with the race coming to the end of its initial three-year deal with the running next year where the Red Bull driver will be looking to make it three wins in a row in front of his home fans. However, the race is set to change from its first weekend in September slot - and move forward to the 25th-27th August 2023 opening, RacingNews365.com has learned. It means the race will move forward by one week in the calendar as F1 looks to re-jig the calendar as both Qatar and Las Vegas join the show. An option to further extend the race by two years to 2025 is also in the current contract, and set to be taken up given the popularity of Verstappen.
What about Spa?
Following the falling through of the South African Grand Prix, the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa received a stay of execution for 2023. Given the Dutch race is set to take its slot at the end of August, the Belgian GP is expected to be shunted up before the summer break. The official 2023 calendar is yet to be ratified by the FIA, with President Mohammed ben Sulayem keen to wait until the whole calendar is 100% in place before going live with it. In the past, some races had been marked *subject to confirmation - with the former Emirati rally driver keen to avoid this going forward by having a calendar full of confirmed events. One major sticking point is the return of the Chinese Grand Prix in Shanghai - with China's travel restrictions still in place to combat the threat of COVID-19. The last time F1 raced in China was 2019 - when it hosted the 1,000th World Championship Grand Prix.
Most read
