Interview
Disappointment and understanding to quit Dutch GP: 'Maybe it will come back?'
- Ludo van Denderen
Two more editions of the Dutch Grand Prix and then the race in Zandvoort will disappear from the Formula 1 calendar. Both nationally and internationally, people have reacted with disappointment to the organisers' decision to quit the Netherlands' biggest sporting event. Guenther Steiner, former team boss of Haas F1, is one of those who wanted Formula 1 to stay in Zandvoort. But he also understands the decision.
During an exclusive interview with GPblog, Steiner expressed his disappointment at the disappearance of the race in Zandvoort. The Italian called it "a shame" that the Grand Prix will not be there after 2026. "Because when it came along again, I was one of the first ones to be happy about it. Because I like Zandvoort, a racetrack on the beach in the dunes is pretty cool. And it reminds me of the old times, the good old times."
But, Steiner argues, if it is not financially viable to hold the race, there is little choice. "If there's no support for it, I can understand that the owners don't want to lose money with it. Why would they? Who is doing that? They made a lot of investment and the Grand Prix was very successful. But if it doesn't work commercially, it doesn't work."
'A decision of the people'
Steiner cites that the Dutch government does not want to support the Grand Prix financially. "If the Dutch society doesn't think they should put money to help it happen... It's a decision of the people. Tax money is tax money. People pay it. And if they elect not to have it, they cannot be sad about it."
On the other hand, Steiner also sees what a Grand Prix brings to the Netherlands. "It has good value for the sponsors. Being on the calendar, for sure, was good for Holland. Obviously, Holland now is represented well with Max [Verstappen]. But you can show the country with a Grand Prix. It has value to other people or to other countries. Obviously, in Holland, the majority of the people do not want to spend money on the Grand Prix. The majority in a democracy wins. And therefore there's no Grand Prix, because the promoter couldn't get any support from the government."
Steiner concludes, "So be it. It's unfortunate, but I'm not happy seeing it go. But you never know. Maybe it's coming back."
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.
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