Former racer Jan Lammers, now the sporting director of the Dutch GP at Zandvoort, looks back with pride at the recent editions of the Dutch racing festival. On Wednesday, it was announced that Formula 1 will return to Zandvoort one last time in 2026; after that, the seaside resort will disappear from the calendar. Lammers reflects on an ‘unprecedented achievement’.
“We have achieved an unprecedented feat together,” Jan Lammers responded to NU.nl. “Many doubted the feasibility of this event, but almost all drivers are fans of the circuit and praise the atmosphere. For fans from both the Netherlands and abroad, we have created a unique experience at one of the most beautiful and challenging locations.” Last year, the organization behind the GP at Zandvoort was awarded the title of ‘best and most sustainable promoter in Formula 1’. The sustainable train and bicycle traffic, in particular, surprised foreign viewers.
‘Greatest Sporting Event in Dutch History’
Jan Lammers played a key role in the return of Zandvoort to the Formula 1 calendar. With the growing popularity of the sport, the premier class returned to the Netherlands in 2021 – after a thirty-six-year absence. “The Dutch Grand Prix has positioned itself as one of the greatest sporting events in Dutch history, on par with iconic races in cities such as Monaco, Las Vegas, and Melbourne,” Lammers stated.
Before we have to say goodbye to the GP at Zandvoort, we can still enjoy editions in 2025 and 2026. Moreover, a sprint race will also be held on Dutch asphalt in 2026. “We are now fully focused on the upcoming edition and are looking forward to the addition of the sprint,” Lammers concluded. “The demand for tickets is again high and the interest from the business market is, as in previous years, very good.”
