Zandvoort circuit director Robert van Overdijk has played down rumors about the future of the Dutch Grand Prix even though he admits that a retirement of Max Verstappen is to be considered in the equation of a renewal of contract, which could be a work-study contract (every other year).
After the recent extension of the new annual racing contract between Monaco and Formula 1 until 2031, the boss of the Automobile Club of Monaco, Michel Boeri, said he was relieved.
“Compared to the other European Grands Prix, we have some small advantages, but above all, there is no alternation. We will be there every year.”
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has repeatedly admitted that some current Grands Prix will only be able to host races once every two years in the near future.
Boeri even added: “Not only will many other European Grands Prix disappear, but those that remain will be in this alternation. I think with the current demand of F1 there will only be two or three Grands Prix left in Europe, with interest shifting towards China and other continents.”
According to the latest rumors, Zandvoort, Spa-Francorchamps, Barcelona and Imola are among the current races most likely to have to alternate.
Zandvoort's current contract with F1 for the Dutch Grand Prix expires after next year's edition. Organizers are particularly concerned that Max Verstappen's potential retirement from F1 could make the event financially unsustainable.
When asked if Zandvoort was forced to consider the race rotation system with all these uncertainties, van Overdijk said: “We only have one contact and that is the FOM.”
“And Max's retirement remains a rumor, even if he mentions it. It's obviously an important factor for the popularity of our Grand Prix. But we don't know how quickly we would fill our stands without him .It’s a point of discussion.”
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