F1: DUTCH GRAND PRIX RETURNS IN 2020

Circuit Zandvoort will host the F1 Dutch Grand Prix in 2020 – Photo: LAT

Formula 1 returns to The Netherlands with the announcement that Circuit Zandvoort will host Dutch Grand Prix in 2020.

The three year deal will see the FIA Formula 1 World Championship return to the country for the first time since 1985.

“We are particularly pleased to announce that Formula 1 is returning to race in the Netherlands, at the Zandvoort track.” said Chase Carey, Chairman and CEO, Formula 1.

“From the beginning of our tenure in Formula 1, we said we wanted to race in new venues, while also respecting the sport’s historic roots in Europe.”

“Next season, therefore, we will have a brand new street race that will be held in the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi, as well the return to Zandvoort, after an absence of 35 years; a track that has contributed to the popularity of the sport all over the world.”

“In recent years, we’ve seen a resurgence of interest in Formula 1 in Holland, mainly due to the enthusiastic support for the talented Max Verstappen, as seen from the sea of orange at so many races. No doubt this will be the dominant colour in the Zandvoort grandstands next year.”

Niki Lauda leading the 1985 Dutch Grand Prix – Photo: LAT

The Dutch Grand Prix was first held in 1952 when it was won by Alberto Ascari in a Ferrari, while the last race in 1985 was won by Niki Lauda in a McLaren.

“I am pleased to see that Zandvoort will be part of the proposed calendar for the 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship, and thankful for the hard work of Formula 1 to bring the sport back to the Netherlands.” said Jean Todt, President of the FIA.

“It is a circuit with a long and impressive history of competition and is a great challenge for drivers, and with the popularity of Max Verstappen I’m sure there will be a huge number of fans in attendance.”

“There is now a lot of preparation needed to bring the circuit up to the required safety standards to host a Formula 1 race, and we will work towards this together with Formula 1, KNAF – the Dutch ASN – and the circuit organisation.”

Circuit Zandvoort has undergone a number of changes since it last hosted F1 and the facility will be rebuilt with help from Zandvoort town council and several other partners in order to meet the standards laid out by the FIA in order to host a Formula 1 World Championship event.

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