Circuit Zandvoort is almost ready for another Formula 1 party. Everything is still being built up everywhere on and around the race track, but next weekend everything will be pico bello in order to receive 110,000 people daily.
Construction of Circuit Zandvoort for the F1 race – NH Nieuws
“It is not the weekly market that we are building here,” explains circuit director Robert van Overdijk as he guides the media through the many activities. Tribunes are being built, catering establishments are being set up, and even the crash barriers are getting a fresh orange tan here and there.
“Wednesday the event starts for us. So we will still be building until Tuesday evening. But we are on schedule,” said the circuit director. Sporting director of the Dutch Grand Prix, Jan Lammers, is also calm. “You shouldn’t have the painter come first, and then the carpenter. The structure is now in place.”
No corona restrictions
How different it was last year. At the last minute, the corona measures ensured that 70,000 people were allowed to come per day instead of 110,000. A lot of entertainment around the races was also canceled. “We had to disappoint people then. Actually it is the second time, but the first time with a full house. So there is a lot to see that was not there last year.”
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Max Verstappen
Jan Lammers is also looking forward to the second edition. “Last year many families were unable to come due to the corona measures, now we can receive them. And this time the duel between Max Verstappen and Ferrari is very exciting.”
Still, it seems difficult to surpass last year’s dream scenario. Nice weather and a pole position and victory of the Dutchman Max Verstappen. “If we get good reactions after the race, and people are satisfied, then we are very happy,” said Lammers.
Too busy?
Last year it went smoothly with 70,000 people. Almost everyone came by public transport or bicycle. Yet the question always remains whether it will not be too busy in Zandvoort now that more people are coming this time. “It’s like a warm day at the beach and it’s much less regulated. And we have a mobility plan to entice people not to come here by car, and it worked really well last year. And I’m assuming it’s this works well again,” said Mayor David Moolenburgh.
Next Friday, the F1 cars will drive their first laps at Circuit Zandvoort from 12.30 pm during the first free practice. The race is on Sunday at 3 p.m.