Could the TT Circuit Assen soon take over from Zandvoort in hosting a Dutch Grand Prix? Board Chairman Arjan Bos doesn’t think the chances are very high, but he does offer Dutch racing fans a glimmer of hope. “Initial steps have been taken,” Bos acknowledges.
The organization behind the Dutch GP in Zandvoort announced last December that the final Grand Prix on the circuit in the dunes will be held in 2026. After lengthy negotiations with the FOM, the organization decided to end on a high note.
Does this mean that Formula 1 will completely disappear from the Netherlands? TT Circuit Assen Chairman Arjan Bos thinks this is likely, but at the same time reveals that the circuit in Drenthe is open to taking over from Zandvoort. “I have to be very careful with this, because I don’t even know if Formula 1 would want that,” Chairman Bos tells RTV Drenthe.”Bos does immediately raise some concerns about the TT circuit potentially hosting a Dutch Grand Prix. “I would very much like to hear Zandvoort’s arguments as to why they are now stopping,” the chairman continues. “In addition, I don’t know if Formula 1 wants to continue in the Netherlands. They actually want fewer races in Europe. It doesn’t seem likely that we can continue to organize a Grand Prix in the Netherlands.”
Small Chance
Despite his reservations, Bos does see definite support for the continuation of the Dutch GP. “For these kinds of events, if it’s possible and there is support, and we feel that support, and we can organize it, then we will certainly look into it. We are initially positive about it.”
Bos even reveals that the first ‘feelers have been put out’, but does not give fans hope that Assen will quickly take Zandvoort’s place on the calendar. “That’s too quick and too simplistic. I don’t think the chances are very high.”
