This year, for the first time since 1985, a Dutch Grand Prix should have taken place at Circuit Zandvoort. Due to the coronavirus, that could not continue on the planned date and it has now been announced that Formula 1 will also come to Zandvoort later this year.
In the weekend from 1 to 3 May, Formula 1 should have returned to Circuit Zandvoort for the first time in 35 years, but the corona virus threw a spanner in the works. After this, possibilities were looked into for the Grand Prix to take place later this year, but as expected that will not work. The bullet is now finally through the church: we have to wait until next year before it is that far. That makes the organization of the Grand Prix known.
The management of Formula 1 will draw up the calendar for 2021 later this year and it will also be known when the racing class will actually make its return on the circuit between the Zandvoort dunes. It is expected to take place around the same dates as this year. People with a ticket for the canceled race weekend will be informed of the possibilities on June 2, according to the organization. They can keep the tickets for use next year or get their money back.
Former F1 driver Jan Lammers, sporting director of the Dutch GP, is of course disappointed that it did not happen this year: “We were completely ready for this first race and we still are. An incredible achievement has been made, courtesy of all involved fans, companies and governments. F1 has inventoried us to run the race without an audience this year, but we would like to celebrate this moment, the return of Formula 1 in Zandvoort, together with our racing fans in the Netherlands. We ask everyone to be patient. I had to look forward to it for 35 years, so I can wait another year. ”
The 2020 Formula 1 season has yet to start due to the virus, but it seems more and more likely that it will be possible to start in Europe in July. The Austrian Grand Prix is scheduled for the first weekend of July. The second GP of the season will also be held there a week later. Hungary will then follow and in the first two weekends of August two GPs (as planned) will be held on the British Silverstone Circuit. Spain, Belgium and Italy will follow. All these races will probably still be held without an audience.