Horner: 'Is only one reason why Zandvoort is on F1 calendar'

Since 2021, the Dutch Grand Prix has been back on the Formula 1 calendar. The Zandvoort race was part of the F1 championship between 1952 and 1985, but was then without a contract. In 2020, the race was due to return after 35 years, but due to the corona crisis, it was postponed for a year. Christian Horner argues that there is only one reason why Circuit Zandvoort is back on the calendar.

In 2021, the Dutch Grand Prix made a re-entry into the F1 championship and with success. The edition was completely sold out and was one big party, partly due to Max Verstappen's victory. Late last year, the GP organisers and the FOM extended the Dutch GP's contract by two years, until 2025.

Formula 1 has become increasingly popular in the Netherlands in recent years because of Verstappen's success, and Christian Horner sees this as the reason for the race's return to Zandvoort. "The race is on the calendar for one reason, which is Max, and the effect that he's had. When you come here and you see the atmosphere and feel the atmosphere, it's a phenomenal event," Horner told GPblog.

Yet the Red Bull Racing team boss is not all positive about the Dutch Grand Prix. "It's a unique atmosphere here, the promoters do a great job. It's a tough circuit, arguably it's too small for Formula 1, but so is Monaco. It's a challenge, I think the drivers actually enjoy it," Horner hints that it is absolutely no big deal.