Zandvoort is slowly but enthusiastically preparing for Formula 1 in September. Where last year corona ensured that the village only benefited at a minimum – no so-called side events were allowed to be held in the village – everything will be pulled out this year.
After 36 years, a Formula 1 race was held at Circuit Zandvoort for the first time in 2021. Whether that party would really continue, remained a long time exciting. All multi-day events were banned until September 1, due to the corona virus. In mid-August the liberating word came: the sporting event could continue, but with fewer visitors.
During the race weekend, thousands of racing fans flocked to the resort. There was still a lot to come criticism on how crowded the event was, because multi-day festivals were still banned at that time.
Full bars
Still, there was plenty of partying for three days. In addition to the circuit itself, the center of Zandvoort is also packed. The bars in the Haltestraat are packed. “We’ve already had more beers than we’ve seen Formula 1 cars,” said a cheerful race fan on the day of free practice.
Watch the compilation NH Nieuws made about the race weekend in 2021 below. Text continues below the video.
Relive Formula 1 at Zandvoort – NH Nieuws
In the evenings the party went on as usual. The municipality of Zandvoort warned the catering industry, because the partygoers did not adhere to the one and a half meter rule. “It seems as if one big polonaise is being run”, NH reporter Koen Bugter said at the time.
Big winner
Max Verstappen wins eventually the Dutch Grand Prix on ‘his’ Zandvoort circuit. The fans in the stands go wild and the Haltestraat also ‘explodes’, the reporter sees on the spot. The atmosphere is exuberant. “It’s great that you can experience this in your own village, and then he also wins! That’s cool,” said a fan.
Watch below how the party started after Max Verstappen’s win. Text continues below the video.
‘Proud of Zandvoort’ – NH Nieuws
The spectacle promises a lot for this year. Last year, many events in the village had to be canceled due to the corona measures. This year, all so-called ‘side events’ can take place during the race weekend. More than 300,000 visitors are expected over the entire weekend.
“We will start decorating the village in three weeks,” says Sander ten Bosch of Zandvoort Beyond. This foundation is responsible for the events surrounding the Grand Prix. “We do that with flags and banners, so that the whole village can see: Formula 1 is coming!”
51 days to go
“There will be a go-kart track, a Ferris wheel and an exhibition of car art. From August 30, we will even have an old Max Verstappen race car in the center,” says Ten Bosch.
“Last year we were happy with what we could do, but it was not what we had prepared for months. This year we really pick up where we left off last year.” He is already counting down to the race: “I think there are still 51 days.”
Party in the Haltestraat
The village itself also looks forward to the festivities. “I think it’s going to be crazy,” says Ron Brouwer, of café Laurel & Hardy. Together with the other catering entrepreneurs in the Haltestraat, he is preparing for a big party. “That was it last year, but this year even more people will come.”
“I’ve never experienced anything like this before, it’s a really fantastic event,” he continues. “Great atmosphere, great people.” That was not only due to Max’s win: “The days before the race it was already a party every night. This year we have outdoor bars and a DJ will play to get the atmosphere even more.”
This afternoon more will become clear about the preparations for the Grand Prix at the Circuit of Zandvoort. Curious? See our site or app later this afternoon.