Formula 1: 3 possible replacements for the Dutch Grand Prix
As a lifelong Formula 1 enthusiast who’s spent countless hours following the sport across the globe, I must say, the potential return of some iconic races is truly exciting! Among them, the Dutch Grand Prix’s temporary departure has left a noticeable void for many fans like myself. The sea of orange at Zandvoort was always a sight to behold and Max Verstappen’s electrifying performances only made it more unforgettable.
Next year, the contract for the Dutch Grand Prix is set to end, but it’s been announced that it will be renewed for just one more year without any possibility of additional extensions. This unexpected decision has left many people surprised, considering the Grand Prix’s impressive track record since joining the Formula 1 calendar in 2021.
It’s generally thought that the concept of race took hold because of Max Verstappen’s swift rise in global fame. Notably, the unusual Circuit Zandvoort is famed for its ocean of orange spectators in the grandstands whenever Formula 1 visits the town of Zandvoort.
Typically taking place towards the end of the season, since 2023, the Dutch Grand Prix has been the initial race following the summer break. Given its position before the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, any potential replacement for this event on the calendar would probably need to be located nearby, as part of Formula 1’s efforts to minimize travel distances.
Since its successor is not scheduled to debut in the calendar until 2027, some circuits might look forward to making a comeback.
1. French Grand Prix
Over more than a century since its inception at the French Grand Prix, the location of the event has shifted multiple times. It has been held at various cities such as Le Mans, Tours, Pau, Montlhéry, and Paul Ricard due to the challenge of finding a suitable racing venue within France.
Following a five-year run at Paul Ricard from 2018 to 2022, the French Grand Prix was temporarily removed from the calendar and has yet to reappear. A potential comeback is on the table, but the track needs to undergo necessary infrastructure upgrades. Given Alpine’s status as a French team in Formula One, hosting a Grand Prix at the home of an iconic constructor seems fitting.
2. Turkish Grand Prix
As a racing enthusiast, I can say that Istanbul Park truly delivered an exceptional spectacle in 2020 and 2021, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Turkish Grand Prix found its place on the calendar during those years, bringing excitement to many. Unfortunately, the temporary addition couldn’t be extended into a more permanent fixture due to financial constraints.
Nevertheless, there has been much speculation regarding the potential comeback of the Turkish Grand Prix. Not too long ago, FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem held talks with the president of Turkey about reintroducing Formula 1 racing in its largest city.
Minister Mehmet Nuri Ersoy of Turkey is exerting significant effort in searching for an appropriate partner who can help bring the Grand Prix back to Istanbul Park. It’s highly likely that Formula 1 racing will eventually make a comeback at this location, but the exact timing remains uncertain.
The prospect exists for the Turkish Grand Prix to return to the schedule potentially starting from 2026. However, securing financing has been challenging, which is the reason behind the absence of Formula 1 races in Istanbul since 2021.
If the search for funding takes longer than expected, there’s a possibility that the Turkish Grand Prix might return to the schedule in 2027. It would be ideal to push back the Italian Grand Prix by a week and insert the Turkish Grand Prix into that slot from a logistical and travel standpoint.
3. German Grand Prix
Five years have passed since the last time the German Grand Prix appeared on the Formula 1 schedule, with the 2019 race being hosted at the Hockenheimring. However, it wasn’t the most recent Grand Prix held in Germany; that distinction goes to the Eifel Grand Prix of 2020, which took place at the Nurburgring.
Given the significant influence of German teams like Mercedes and the upcoming Audi, it’s logical that a Formula 1 Grand Prix should take place in Germany once more. Unfortunately, the financial burdens associated with hosting a race have kept the Hockenheimring from reappearing on the calendar.
A few months back, it was verified that fresh investors will be injecting approximately 250 million euros into the project shortly. This investment is expected to enable the hosting group to cover the venue’s entrance fee and fund various upcoming projects in the region, including a substantial motorworld, a brand-new hotel, and other exciting attractions.
Stefano Domenicali, Formula 1’s CEO, has emphasized that the primary aim when setting the schedule is to foster growth for Formula 1, all the while ensuring progress in its commercial aspects.
It appears that the Hockenheimring could become a major racing circuit in the near future. Given its location, it seems fitting for it to take over the spot previously held by the Dutch Grand Prix on the schedule. However, whether the necessary improvements and financial resources will be available beforehand remains uncertain.
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2024-12-07 14:32