Robert van Overdijk, the head of the Dutch Grand Prix, has acknowledged that a potential rotation strategy for several European grands prix might include the much-loved event at Zandvoort.
Shortly before the Formula 1 summer hiatus, the race director refuted claims of a finalized arrangement to rotate the Zandvoort and Spa-Francorchamps races annually starting in 2026.
The current agreement with F1 owner Liberty Media is set to expire following next year's race. "At the moment," van Overdijk recently informed Viaplay, "the risks (of a new contract) are too great, but of course we are doing everything we can to see if a race after 2025 is still possible. It is clear that the situation is precarious."
Nevertheless, van Overdijk initially rejected the idea that an alternating agreement was already in place.
He now says: "We know that Formula One Management wants to reduce the number of races in Europe. There is talk of a rotation system for certain races. But nobody knows exactly how it will all work."
"We have a contract up to and including 2025, but it is not certain at the moment whether we will remain in the program beyond that."
Jan Lammers, the Dutch GP's sporting director and a former F1 driver, also spoke to Viaplay: "This decision lies with FOM. We are concentrating entirely on the coming weekend."
"It is still too early to say what will happen after 2025."
The current atmosphere around the Dutch GP is both challenging and somewhat ironic, as the event is set to host numerous other F1 race promoters this weekend.
Zandvoort has set a benchmark for other F1 events, leading innovations in fan engagement and sustainability efforts.
"This year, it is quite a list," revealed De Telegraaf. "Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Silverstone, Qatar, Austin and - with a delegation of more than ten people - Japan," the article continued, noting the promoters attending this weekend's Dutch GP.
Dimitri Bonthuis, tasked with managing Zandvoort's sustainability, commented: "We are an event that does not receive any subsidies. We are always financially behind countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain. You will never win the battle in that area."
"That is why we want to remain at the forefront and continue to set a good example in matters such as sustainability and entertainment," Bonthuis added.
Despite the dwindling dominance of local star Max Verstappen, the race this weekend is anticipated to be fiercely competitive.
"If you throw the names of the top eight in a hat and you blindly pick three, then that's your podium, with the exception of (Sergio) Perez perhaps," Lammers observed.
"But tyre strategies, a stuck wheel nut, a safety car at the wrong moment - anything can happen." body check tags ::
