F1: Zandvoort owner says no chance of two Dutch GPs a year

(GMM) Dutch promoters should give up on the idea of a second Formula 1 race in the Netherlands, according to Zandvoort circuit owner Prince Bernhard van Oranje.

He admits the hype around world champion and championship leader Max Verstappen is “bizarre” – prompting speculation there could be space on the calendar for a second Dutch GP, potentially at Assen.

Pole position qualifier Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing celebrates in parc ferme during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 04, 2021 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Francisco Seco – Pool/Getty Images)

“We have never had such a talent in the Netherlands,” Oranje told the Dutch publication Formule 1.

“Obviously, the first race went amazingly well. After that, we were a bit set up as the benchmark for other circuits,” said the Prince, a member of the Dutch royal family.

But he says other Dutch promoters need not apply.

“Formula 1 is with us and that exclusivity is contractually agreed,” the Prince claims.

“If we would stop doing it, everything would be available to everyone again. But now we are mainly focused on the upcoming grand prix.”