Dutch Grand Prix: F1 confirms return of Zandvoort from 2020 to capitalise on Max Verstappen interest

Formula One have announced that the Dutch Grand Prix will return to the calendar next season for the first time since 1985, with Zandvoort confirmed as the newest track to be added to the F1 circuit.

The thousands of Verstappen fans who have flocked to Belgium’s Spa-Francorchamps since the young Dutchman’s arrival in the sport triggered Liberty Media to investigate ways of maximising that interest, with the restoration of Zandvoort’s Grand Prix decided as the best way to take F1 to the fans.

Addressing the imminent announcement at the weekend, Verstappen admitted that he is looking forward to seeing his “crazy Dutchies” at both of his home races, given he already accounts Spa as his home away from homes.

It will be the first Dutch Grand Prix since Niki Lauda took victory ahead of Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna at Zandvoort by a car’s length in what proved to be the Austrian’s final race victory of his career before retirement at the end of the season. The Zandvoort owners went bankrupt soon after, selling off most of the land to redevelopers before it was reconstructed and saved in 1989.

The Netherlands will not be the only new destination on the F1 calendar, with the Vietnam Grand Prix also set to be added for 2020 with a race on the streets of the capital Hanoi.

But given the size of the F1 calendar – which is already at 21 races this season – existing destinations are very much under threat.

Liberty Media are looking to capitalise on the influx of Max Verstappen fans (Getty)

The Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona is set to make way for the Dutch Grand Prix, with Liberty Media adjusting to the departure of Fernando Alonso this season and the effect that had on crowd attendances at last weekend’s event.

Zandvoort will host the Dutch Grand Prix in 2020 (EPA)

But the future of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone also remains very unclear, with this July’s event set to be the last under the current agreement after the track owners, the British Racing Drivers’ Club, exercised a break clause in their contract with F1.

Zandvoort will host the Dutch Grand Prix for the first time since 1985 (EPA)

Talks remain ongoing over a new contract that could save the future of the British Grand Prix, but recently denied reports that an agreement had already been met.