72 replies to this topic

[SenorSjon]

Sorry to hear this. It is a stunning track. While I was very sceptical when Zandvoort was announced as F1 circuit, I have to admit I was wrong, it quickly became one of my favorite tracks. Sure, overtaking is difficult but it can be done, there are multiple racelines possible and unlike Monaco, this circuit is harsh on tyres so if Pirelli makes the right tyre selections, you can also enjoy the 1 stop vs 2 stop strategy battle.

BTW
Understood that one major reasons to quit was that the new elected Dutch goverment has increased the sales tax on (sport) events from 9% to 21%, so in order the keep the same amount of net revenue, the tickes prices had to be increased which might result in fewer ticket sales. As result, this goverment will after 2026 not receive a single penny cent from f1 ticket sales and also miss out on taxes on hotel stays, food, .. etc.

That isn't coming through. The Zandvoort municipal did add a new tax on the tickets though.

Edited by SenorSjon, 04 December 2024 - 22:52.

[Fastcake]

I see the sadness in losing another European circuit with a dedicated crowd, but Zandvoort was always too small and narrow for modern day grand prix cars.

[PayasYouRace]

Perhaps it’s horrible as a Dutchman to say… But this Zandvoort- track has nothing to do with the old one, and therefore is not a classic in my eyes. The people that redesigned it, did a great job. I’m really impressed. But I just don’t like the track…

It’s narrow, when there’s camber there’s not a hint of danger. Not that it should be dangerous, but I’ve driven on the track, the old one, and I’ve been driven around by a very competitive driver. It was just a little bit scary even when I drove myself on modest speeds.

So I’m sad to say I’m not really that disappointed that the track will disappear from the calendar

Odd that you say that given about half the current track is the old one.

[Nemo1965]

I could give you a description corner for corner that the track uses the same places but just…not the same way it was used. But it would bore erverybody to death

[loki]

How easy is it to distinguish between the Orange Army and the Papaya Patrol in person?

One group is civilized…

[loki]

Chicago. Street. Race.  With sprint weekend…

[Spillage]

It's not that far from Spa so I suppose it's an open question as to whether both are financially viable. Still, it'll be shame to see it go as it looks like a great race to attend.

[Beri]

Chicago. Street. Race.  With sprint weekend…

 

That being said; Zandvoorts last edition will be a Sprint Event weekend. Confirmed by circuit director Robert van Overdijk.

[Laptom]

I was sceptical for F1 to return, but I really liked the races in Zandvoort so far. Also visited the race in 2021, which was great and one of the better atmospheres I have been to a F1 race (~15 races on 8 different circuits the last decade). The circuit is really cool and has a nice flow. I really like driving by myself on it (new or oldish style), but can see it doesn't has a F1 future which doesn't need additional fundings. It is good that they made the decision now, also in case other external companies are investing into it). This is clear for everybody. 

Just wished/hoped for a roulating system, and that Zandvoort would be once every 2 or 3 years on the agenda. I think this would be workable for all stakeholders.

[Beri]

I was sceptical for F1 to return, but I really liked the races in Zandvoort so far. Also visited the race in 2021, which was great and one of the better atmospheres I have been to a F1 race (~15 races on 8 different circuits the last decade). The circuit is really cool and has a nice flow. I really like driving by myself on it (new or oldish style), but can see it doesn't has a F1 future which doesn't need additional fundings. It is good that they made the decision now, also in case other external companies are investing into it). This is clear for everybody. 

Just wished/hoped for a roulating system, and that Zandvoort would be once every 2 or 3 years on the agenda. I think this would be workable for all stakeholders.

 

I cant see, for Zandvoort, that there would be a suitable business case to be made. Huge sums of money are poured in every year by, for example, Pon. Who purchases about a quarter of the main straight grand stand tickets and distributes them over their relations. But imagine this Grand Prix being on the calendar only once every 2 or 3 years? Pon would rather opt for a different event to sponsor to cater those same relations. And this is merely one example. As I also cant see the NS and ProRail wanting to cater and maintain the infrastructure they put in place for the train connections to and from Zandvoort, if this only plays out once every 2 or 3 years.

 

Stuff like that makes a business case hard. It is doable, like Van Overdijk has said himself, but it is not what they want. And that is why the decision was made to call it quits. He briefly also mentioned that the FOM tried everything in their power to keep Zandvoort on the calendar. But in between the lines it was clear that the FOM couldnt do anything different financially to aid Zandvoort, as well as Zandvoort was destined to be on the rotational schedule and would not have an annual appearance on the calendar.

[pdac]

I could give you a description corner for corner that the track uses the same places but just…not the same way it was used. But it would bore erverybody to death

 

Would that not be the same for all tracks, though. They have all had to adapt to the demands of modern cars.

Edited by pdac, 05 December 2024 - 12:39.

[brucewayne]

Bring back Turkey and Malaysia, asap.

[IrvTheSwerve]

One group is civilized…

After reading the McLaren thread I’m not so sure… 

[IrvTheSwerve]

Bring back Turkey and Malaysia, asap.

Oh they’ll be back…

 

Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur street races… 

[sportyskells]

This might trigger a long contract with spa as there is now a gap in the schedule 

[Hezekiah]

Says a lot about the quality of many tracks nowadays that people are disappointed about this.

[Beri]

Says a lot about the quality of many tracks nowadays that people are disappointed about this.

 

Or it says something about the quality of Zandvoort. That no one ever acknowledged beforehand.

[Risil]

Or it says something about the quality of Zandvoort. That no one ever acknowledged beforehand.

 

There were some very insistent people saying that it would never work, but I recall quite a bit of cautious optimism too. Perhaps superficially it shouldn't have worked but the races have always been interesting and ultimately how else should you judge the suitability of a circuit for Grand Prix racing?

[Beri]

I was very reserved as well. I really had my doubts on the suitability of the track, the costs, the probability of the organization getting all the right permits. But I was proven wrong. Majorly.

[MinardiM02]

I was heavily against Zandvoort getting to organise the Dutch gp but man was I wrong. 

 

Zandvoort has produced some of the most exciting races in recent history, partially due to the weather, plenty of overtaking, the need for strategic brilliance and the fact that it was an all around equalizing track. 

Super sad to see it go. 

[TauriJ]

Good news, we might get another race in Saudi Arabia

[JimmyClark]

Well China has extended for 5 years...

[LolaB0860]

Good news, we might get another race in Saudi Arabia

It's a Christmas miracle