The official Formula 1 Twitter has announced that the Dutch Grand Prix will not happen in 2020, the seaside Zandvoort circuit was set to return to the calendar on 3 May but the global lockdown has forced a change of plans on organisers.
The Dutch Grand Prix last took place in 1985 and was back on track for a cracking event on the home circuit of Max Verstappen, where his army of followers were sure to turn the revamped venue orange. Tickets were sold out long ago.
Due to the worldwide spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) the inaugural Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix has, as previously announced, been postponed.
The organization of the Dutch Grand Prix, in consultation with Formula 1, has had to conclude that it is no longer possible to hold a race with fans present this year. Therefore, it has been decided that the race will not take place this season and the inaugural race will now take place during the 2021 season. All tickets remain valid for the new race.
Jan Lammers, sports director of the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix said the following: “We were completely ready for this first race and we still are. An unbelievable achievement has been made thanks to all the fans, the companies and the governments involved.
“We and Formula 1 have investigated the potential to hold a rescheduled race this year without spectators, but we would like to celebrate this moment, the return of Formula 1 in Zandvoort, together with our racing fans in the Netherlands.
“We ask everyone to be patient. I had to look forward to it for 35 years, so I can wait another year,” concluded Lammers.
The first edition of the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix will now take place in 2021. Together with the motorsport federation FIA, Formula 1 will determine the schedule for 2021 and with that the new date of the Dutch Grand Prix.
The organisers of the Dutch Grand Prix have confirmed the event will not be held in 2020#F1 pic.twitter.com/OIrFfPifmA
— Formula 1 (@F1) May 28, 2020