Zandvoort issues clear F1 stance as Formula E arrival announced

Zandvoort has moved to draw a firm line between its newly secured Formula E race and the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix, with circuit director Robert van Overdijk making clear the two events occupy entirely separate spaces in the venue's thinking.

The historic Dutch circuit has signed a multi-year deal to host Formula E from June 2027, with RacingNews365 understanding that a three-year contract was agreed with an option to extend.

Formula E's move to Zandvoort falls at the same time as F1 prepares to leave, with this August's grand prix to be its last in Max Verstappen's home country.

It has led to suggestions that the arrival of Formula E is to act as an F1 replacement, something the circuit's director has rejected.

"We absolutely do not see Formula E as a replacement for Formula 1," van Overdijk told RacingNews365 during an interview. 

"The two have absolutely nothing to do with each other. Of course, we understand that comparison is made, but this is a different platform with a different objective."

Formula E's event in Zandvoort will be promoted by Sportvibes and TIG Sports, the same duo who promote the Dutch GP. 

What the arrival of the all-electric series does mean is that an FIA world championship remains at Zandvoort, with the venue being particularly excited about the arrival of Gen4.

"We've seen the performance and specifications of that new car," he said. "Its performance comes very close to that of Formula 1 cars, but in an incredibly innovative way. 

"It's important not only for motorsports but also for the broader automotive industry. That makes it incredibly interesting for us."

Zandvoort excited for Gen4 arrival

For van Overdijk, the development of the Gen4 car was not simply a welcome addition to the proposal; it was a fundamental condition for the race happening at Zandvoort at all.

"This is actually the first Formula E car suitable for racing on larger circuits," he explained. "Thanks to the battery capacity and charging speed, you can now complete a good number of laps. We needed that development to be able to race on a circuit like Zandvoort."

A modified layout is also being explored, with plans to use the shorter configuration of the circuit. According to Formula E, the current plan is to use Zandvoort's national circuit without a temporary chicane. 

Simulations are ongoing to decide what layout will work best, although Zandvoort suspect alterations will be required.

"With temporary solutions, we can create a fantastic circuit where the cars can regenerate sufficient energy," added van Overdijk. "Permanent modifications aren't necessary. That gives us, as Circuit Zandvoort, a lot of flexibility."

Beyond the racing itself, Zandvoort is aiming to craft an identity for the Formula E event that stands apart from the F1 weekend, drawing on the experience built up during the Dutch GP years while carving out its own character.

"We want to turn this event into a platform centred on innovation, mobility, and the energy transition," van Overdijk said. "It will be a mix of a business event and really exciting motorsports featuring a stunning new Gen4 car."

It is precisely that off-track dimension where van Overdijk believes the greatest long-term opportunity lies. 

"If we manage to make just as much of an impact off the track as we do on it, then that may ultimately be the most important reason to keep doing this for years to come," he added.

On the wider effect the new generation of car could have on Formula E itself, van Overdijk left little room for doubt. "The Gen4 car is going to give the championship a huge boost, that seems like a fact to me."