The King of the Netherlands has expressed his support for the continuation of the Dutch Grand Prix.
Formula 1 is ready to sign a new contract with Zandvoort extending beyond 2025, but the event organisers are hesitating due to financial concerns.
Over the Dutch GP weekend, F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali suggested a possible solution could involve a rotation scheme from 2026, where some European races alternate annually.
"I am convinced that this place has a future," the Italian told De Telegraaf. "They deserve it."
Zandvoort director Robert van Overdijk responded, saying, "We are proud that Stefano says that he is absolutely convinced that it will continue after 2025. There is no final agreement yet. There is still homework to be done.
"We are not averse to taking some risks, we have shown that, but they must be acceptable risks that we are comfortable with. That will happen when we feel that the interest among our sponsors, our partners, and our ticket buyers is still as high as in recent years," added van Overdijk.
Several prominent Dutch political figures were present at the Dutch GP, along with a very noticeable attendee: the Netherlands' King Willem-Alexander.
"You often hear positive stories abroad about the grand prix here in Zandvoort and it is clear that this race is an example for the entire Formula 1," he said.
"Should they continue after 2025? I don't decide that, but it would be great if this race continues for as long as possible. It is fantastic advertising for the Netherlands."
Although not hosting the event every year would be a setback, an alternating schedule would at least ensure the continuation of the Formula 1 race at Zandvoort.
"The order of things is that we first have to determine whether it is an acceptable risk for us," van Overdijk stated when discussing contract possibilities. "Then you consult with FOM about what form it takes."
"Domenicali says that we will give each other until the end of the year to continue talking. FOM knows that we still have quite a job to do," he added.
"I don't read a hard deadline into it, but the fact that you are given the space for it shows that they are happy with us. A decision really doesn't have to be made in the coming weeks."
