The proprietor of the Zandvoort circuit has rubbished claims a second Dutch Grand Prix may very well be added to the System 1 2023 calendar.
As Dutchman Max Verstappen’s prominence in F1 rose, so did the recognition of the game again in his house nation. It had been 34 years for the reason that final grand prix was held within the nation earlier than its return in 2021.
The sky was virtually orange as Dutch followers, geared up with orange flairs, poured into the observe to help their house star who went on to win the race on his method to his maiden World Championship.
The Circuit Zandvoort was added to the calendar initially in 2020, later cancelled due to the COVID pandemic, in a contract that runs for 3 years with the opportunity of one other two added on to that.
However shortly earlier than final yr’s occasion, the group behind the Assen circuit within the north east of the Netherlands, together with chairman of the Dutch Grand Prix Basis Jos Vaessen, claimed {that a} second grand prix within the nation for 2023 was logical.
“One race within the spring and one race within the autumn,” Vaessen instructed Dagblad van het Noorden.
“We get plenty of questions from the motorsport world about why Assen just isn’t getting a System 1 race. From former drivers and in addition from the circle of FOM [Formula One Management].”
Nonetheless, this concept has been squashed by Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau, a member of the Dutch Royal Household and the proprietor of the observe, who mentioned that the take care of System 1 is solely with them.
“System 1 is with us, that exclusivity is contractually agreed. If we’d cease utilizing it, every part could be obtainable to everybody once more,” he instructed Formule1.nl. “However we are actually primarily centered on the upcoming Grand Prix.”
Max Verstappen wins in entrance of his adoring house followers! 🏁
It means he regains the championship lead, as the 2 Mercedes make up the rostrum#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/NQ95X1W1wu
— System 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
The prince additionally mirrored on the primary grand prix on the observe and mentioned it went so effectively that it turned a “benchmark for different circuits.”
“After all the primary race went amazingly effectively,” he mentioned. “And after that we have been arrange a bit because the benchmark for different circuits.
“The momentum with Max is weird. We’ve by no means had such a expertise within the Netherlands. And no matter whether or not he’s now World Champion, or may go for the World Championship on the time, a Grand Prix System 1 is the most important occasion that you would be able to get within the Netherlands as a sport.
“I additionally assume it’s simply excellent for the Netherlands and I feel it’s cool that we have been ready to do that.”
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System 1 returns to Zandvoort for the Dutch Grand Prix on September 4.