A historical European race could return to the calendar in the future, in the form of the Dutch Grand Prix, which first held a round of the Formula 1 World Championship in 1952.
The Zandvoort circuit, located near to the Netherlands’ North Sea coast, was the topic of discussion at a recent city council meeting, where a unanimous vote backed an investigation into bringing F1 back to the country in the near future.
“Everyone is excited about it,” VVD leader Jerry Kramer told NU.nl. “I think we need to tackle it together. Governments and businesses in the region.
“It is a historic circuit, it would be nice if we could get it back on the calendar.
“I realise that it will cost tens of millions of euros to bring back Formula 1, but we should certainly explore the possibilities,” he said.
The circuit, which has changed dramatically over the years, last held a race in 1985, but could return in 2019 or 2021 according to circuit boss Eric Weijers.
“There is a lot of money involved, but this is a first step,” he said.
Weijers understands that bringing the sport back would take significant effort and a lot needs to change before it can happen, but used Mexico’s return as a good example of what can be achieved.
“Should it come to a concrete plan, it will still take some time. Perhaps in 2019 or 2020,” he added.
“Simply put, three things must happen. The infrastructure needs to be improved, the circuit needs to be refurbished and the financial requirements of the Formula One Management (FOM) must be met. And if we do that then we get another Grand Prix in the Netherlands.
“More than 100,000 spectators attended the [Mexican] race. It was fantastic for Mexico and for the Netherlands it can be just as beautiful. The FIA is really open to a return.”