Max Verstappen beat Charles Leclerc to Turn 1 at the start and never looked back -at the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 04, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

F1: Dutch GP gets contract extension through 2025

Max Verstappen’s home Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will stay on the Formula One calendar until 2025 after a contract extension was announced on Thursday.

The new agreement adds on two more races to the original three-year contract, which began in 2021 when the Dutch Grand Prix returned to the calendar for the first time since 1985.

The race at the seaside circuit has quickly become one of the best-loved on the calender with the enthusiastic Dutch fans bringing a fantastic atmosphere to the track at both the 2021 and 2022 events – both of which were won by home hero and reigning world champion Max Verstappen.

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS – SEPTEMBER 03: Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing and The Netherlands fans during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 03, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Peter Fox/Getty Images)

And at the 2023 race in late August – which is already sold out – the fans will have two Dutch drivers to cheer on, with former Formula 2 champion Nyck de Vries joining the grid full time next season with AlphaTauri, following his points-scoring debut for Williams at this year’s Italian Grand Prix.

As well as great on-track action and a carnival atmosphere, the race has also been praised for its sustainability efforts, which are key to the overall ambition of Formula 1 to become Net Zero Carbon by 2030.

2022 Dutch GP Race winner Max Verstappen of the Netherlands and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrates on the podium during the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 04, 2022 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

One of the key focuses for the event has been sustainable fan travel, and at the 2022 race 99% of general admission ticket holders made their way to the circuit by public transport, bike or walking. There was also the implementation of a smart power grid, using alternative fuels, and a reduction of overall CO2 emissions of 80%.

“The Dutch Grand Prix has quickly established itself on the calendar as a fan favorite, bringing incredible energy and a great fan experience every year,” said Stefano Domenicali, President & CEO of Formula 1.

“The sold-out events in the last two years have raised the bar in terms of organization, entertainment, and sustainability, and we are delighted to extend our relationship with them. There is huge demand to host F1 races so it is testament to what the team have done to cement Zandvoort on the calendar until 2025, and we can’t wait to return next summer.”

Jan Lammers, former F1 driver and now Sporting Director of the Dutch Grand Prix, added: “We are looking forward to the upcoming Grands Prix. With great races in which Dutch fans can now enjoy no less than two Dutch drivers. Of course, we will again offer an extensive and surprising entertainment program. With this we are again offering the ultimate race festival.

“We want the world to experience again how we as the Netherlands organize an event. It is unique that we are on the calendar with world cities like Las Vegas, Monaco, and São Paulo. And as we say internally, we are ‘Ready for Tomorrow’. We need and want to put on the F1 event of the future, which is not necessarily bigger but better, more engaging, more innovative, more sustainable, and more inclusive.”

 

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