Why Zandvoort can still hope for an F1 future

"If you ask factually, it is currently the case that in 2025 we will have the last race at Zandvoort. That doesn't mean that we won't continue to work hard in the coming months and keep talking to all kinds of parties and people. 

"But I don't expect there to be any white smoke there anytime soon. If all the puzzle pieces fall together, we will still be very positive. It's just not a given."

Those are the words of Zandvoort circuit director Robert van Overdijk, speaking on the Friday of the Belgian GP about the long-term doubt around the viability of the Dutch Grand Prix.

van Overdijk believes it is not a given that the race, boosted by the popularity around Max Verstappen, will be on the calendar come 2026. 

It is no secret that some traditional European races are feeling under pressure with the calendar expansion of recent years. 

New venues such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar pay top dollar to host grands prix, and with other events such as Miami and Las Vegas being added, two races in particular feeling the squeeze are Zandvoort and Silverstone - both of which receive no government funding.

For Zandvoort, one way around this has been the proposal of rotating races biannually - much like the German GP between 2008 and 2014 at Hockenheim and the Nurburgring. 

Zandvoort would be partnered with Spa for the Belgian GP, but Spa remains committed to an annual race, adding an extra complication for the Dutch event. 

Hope for Zandvoort?

This is not to say however, that a contract renewal is to be ruled out. 

van Overdijk stressed that the ongoing relationship with FOM remains strong and RacingNews365 understands that talks are underway to try and find a solution to keep Zandvoort on the calendar beyond 2025.

The most important thing for Zandvoort is to agree a financial package that works for the circuit, which pays about $32 million a year in race hosting fees.

No final decision has been made yet, with Zandvoort organisers remaining realistic about the position.