Organisers of Formula 1’s Dutch Grand Prix have welcomed the decision to push back its return to the calendar until September 2021.
Formula 1 was due to return to a renovated Zandvoort in May 2020 after a 35-year absence but the event was a casualty of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event was set to feature a capacity crowd ostensibly due to the popularity of compatriot Max Verstappen in the country.
On Tuesday Formula 1’s provisional 2021 calendar was released and one of the main changes has been the change of Zandvoort’s date from May to September.
The returning event is listed to take place on September 5, forming the middle of event of a triple-header, alongside Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps and Italy’s Monza.
“The return of F1 to the Netherlands was initially made possible by an entrepreneurial initiative, but just as important, that was followed by the massive interest of many race fans in our country,” said Dutch Grand Prix Sporting Director Jan Lammers.
“This new date just after the summer has the advantage that the peak of the summer holidays is over, that there is a good chance the weather will be good, and the corona measures will be more limited.
“This is a great date for Zandvoort and the entire region. In other words, the organisation is very positive and prepares to organise a large public event on this date.”
Zandvoort, located close to capital city Amsterdam, last featured on the Formula 1 calendar in 1985.
The only brand-new venue on the 2021 calendar is set to be Saudi Arabia’s Jeddah circuit after the provisional calendar confirmed the absence of Vietnam.
