Jul.22 (GMM) Formula 1 will disappear from the Netherlands after Zandvoort’s final race next month, with Assen now ruling out taking over the Dutch GP.
The TT Circuit had explored the possibility of succeeding Zandvoort, but management has decided against spending millions of euros on the Grade 1 licence required to host Formula 1.
“It has been made clear to us that the chance of a Formula 1 race in Assen is zero until 2030 and particularly small thereafter,” circuit director Mark van Aalderen told De Telegraaf.
Van Aalderen and circuit chairman Arjan Bos were reportedly given that assessment directly by Formula 1 chief race promotion officer Louise Young.
“We would have liked to do it,” Van Aalderen admitted.
“The TT Circuit has always said that if a promoter were to come forward to host a Formula 1 race, we would adapt the circuit.”
Formula 1, however, has said no.
“The management and board have therefore decided not to make the necessary millions in investments to secure a Grade 1 licence,” said Van Aalderen.
“And so, no F1 race can be organised in Assen.”
Zandvoort decided not to continue beyond 2026 because of the financial risk involved in staging the race without direct government support.
And Assen will instead concentrate its resources on retaining its place on the MotoGP calendar.
“It is a compliment to us that so many people in Assen saw potential in it, that so many people worked hard to ensure that we could have organised a Formula 1 race here alongside a MotoGP weekend,” Van Aalderen said.
“The fact that there is so much support for it feels like an honour.”
“But we also have to be honest: we would never be able to recoup the millions we would have to invest to adapt the circuit.”
“We would rather invest those millions to keep our circuit MotoGP-worthy. Because that, too, will cost a lot of money in the coming years.”
