Formula 1 News: Zandvoort track damaged ahead of Dutch GP (Update)

(GMM) Dutch Grand Prix organizers have dismissed reports that the Zandvoort Formula 1 circuit was damaged by severe flooding this week.

On Monday, torrential rain hit the town of Zandvoort, with water levels reaching up to 50 centimeters in some areas. Images quickly circulated online showing flooded access roads and water accumulating near the banked final corner, prompting concerns about the circuit’s readiness for the race scheduled at the end of August.

However, circuit management has now issued a strong denial.

“Yesterday’s heavy rain sparked some fake news about damage to the circuit,” the track stated on Tuesday. “Early this morning our team inspected the entire layout. While some sand and water had accumulated on parts of the track, it was promptly removed.

“The surface is dry, clean, and 100 percent race-ready.”

The statement also confirmed that F1 Academy sessions have been running without issue.

“In fact, since this morning the F1 Academy has been out on track for their scheduled practice sessions without any issues. All sessions are running exactly as planned. See you at the circuit!”

Earlier, Dutch media and German outlet TZ reported that the municipality had intentionally opened an emergency reservoir at the circuit to prevent flooding in the city center.

A local spokesperson explained: “The water reservoir in the center is full. Therefore, the emergency reservoir at the racetrack was opened to absorb additional water.”

The gravel bed at the final corner was reportedly affected, but the circuit insists any impact was minor and temporary.

Zandvoort is set to host the Dutch GP at the end of August, with the venue set to drop off the calendar after 2026.

(GMM) Severe weather in the Netherlands has caused flooding and damage in Zandvoort, including to the town’s Formula 1 circuit just five weeks before the scheduled Dutch GP.

An alarming picture was posted on Twitter/X showing a huge channel of water cutting across the tarmac of the track. It shows lots of surface water, sand and debris on a corner, next to a giant grandstand for viewing.

Starting Sunday night, torrential rains battered the municipality, with water levels reaching 15 to 20 inches in some areas after a nearby watershed overflowed.

“This Monday has not been an easy day for the residents of Zandvoort,” Soy Motor reported.

One social media user said the F1 venue has been impacted, including flooded access roads, erosion, and apparent damage to the track surface at the banked final corner.

“There goes Zandvoort,” the caption to a photo revealing the damage read.

Local reports said the town’s water reservoir was full, meaning the reservoir by the Circuit Zandvoort was used as a back-up.

The conditions forced the postponement of a planned test session by Delft University students, who were set to run their hydrogen-powered vehicle. “Our car runs on hydrogen, but it can’t handle that much water,” student Renzo Bootsma told NOS.

“It’s a shame, because tonight we were going to do a longer test drive for the first time.”

Track officials are yet to comment on the timeline for repairs, just over 30 days before the Dutch GP.