Domenicali sets deadline for Dutch GP future amid uncertainty

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has confirmed he wants to reach an agreement with Zandvoort to secure the future of the Dutch Grand Prix, which is secure until 2025.

However, the 59-year-old, who wants to finalise the next contract by the end of the year, admits that could take a more unconventional form, with two options currently on the table between F1 and the organisers of the race.

There has been growing uncertainty about the health and long-term viability of the Dutch Grand Prix, which returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 having last been held in 1985.

Robert van Overdijk, Circuit Zandvoort's general director, has made it clear there is no guarantee the track remains on the F1 calendar after 2025.

Although, Domenicali appears more confident of finding an arrangement that works for both parties.

"It will be no secret that we are looking at different options regarding the future," the Italian told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"It may be that this race will continue annually, depending on how the local organisation assesses it.

"Or maybe here they think it would be more interesting to rotate with another circuit. We are also looking at that. The goal is to have reached an agreement before the end of the year. I am convinced that this place has a future. They deserve that here.

"That's why I say two options and not three," he added before highlighting that is up to the organisers to ultimately choose a path and work from there: "Right now the ball is mainly in Zandvoort's court rather than ours. There is certainly no deal yet, but I think we can continue to grow together."

Constructive criticism from Domenicali

Despite being adamant on wanting to continue with the event, which had been scheduled to return in 2020, but for the COVID-19 pandemic, Domenicali wants to see Zandvoort and its promoters think bigger - and more internationally.

"I say this with all due respect to the people here, but I think there is an opportunity to make the event more international," he said.

"This started in 2021 as a very local, almost purely Dutch thing. It has to be, if you look at how unique Zandvoort and the Dutch spirit are.

"But it can be pulled a little wider to attract more people from abroad as well. We are close to Amsterdam here, close to Schiphol Airport.

"There is potential to make it a more international event. That is also how we as F1 look at it and that is also our goal - to also use our sport to promote a country and provide economic gains, especially for the country and the business community."

Leading by example

Constructive criticism of the event aside, the former Ferrari team principal is well aware of the success the Dutch Grand Prix has had since returning to F1.

Domenicali highlighted the example Zandvoort has set for other organisers, whilst speaking to the broader health of the championship he oversees.

"Of course, they were not named promoter of the year for nothing," he points out. "The organisers in Zandvoort were among the first to understand how to set up such an event.

"With more entertainment, while the sport remains central. With that they have been an example for many other Grand Prix organisers and we will not forget that.

"I sometimes hear people say now that we only want street races, but that is not true at all. We are looking at the right balance.

"Racing in streets, but also on iconic tracks and sometimes in the evening. We want a comprehensive package that is interesting for everyone.

"With many other sports, it's going downhill anyway when it comes to interest, whether it's television viewers, social media users or live spectators.

"With us, however, that is still rising. We sell out almost everywhere. It's not that you just come to the race and leave again. No, it is much more than that."