Latest news with #RobertvanOverdijk
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Mirror
Circuit Zandvoort chiefs issue statement as storm causes floods weeks before F1 Dutch GP
The 2025 Dutch Grand Prix is scheduled for the weekend of August 31 and so alarms were raised when images emerged on social media appearing to show damage to the circuit Circuit Zandvoort chiefs have moved to ease fears over suspected damage to the track just weeks before the Dutch Grand Prix. That's after concerned Formula 1 fans shared images of part of the circuit covered in water and mud after storms in the area this week. One particularly worrying photo taken at the final corner of the coastal track showed a channel of water crossing the circuit. It initially appeared as though the current might have caused some damage to the asphalt, while there was also a significant amount of mud on and near to the track. But circuit bosses have eased concerns over the state of the venue just weeks out from the visit of the F1 circus. "Yesterday's heavy rain sparked some fake news about damage to the circuit," a statement read. "Early this morning our team inspected the entire layout and found no damage, no delays. The surface is dry, clean, and 100 percent race-ready. In fact, since this morning, the F1 Academy has been out on track for their scheduled practice sessions without any issues. All sessions are running exactly as planned. See you at the circuit!" As alluded to in that statement, F1 Academy was scheduled this week to take part in testing at the Dutch circuit. And livestream cameras accessible through the venue's website showed that cars were able to head out on track as planned on Tuesday. The good news will be a relief to the promoter of the Dutch Grand Prix which is in the midst of organising the final touches of what is set to be the penultimate F1 event at the historic circuit. It was announced late last year that Zandvoort will drop off the sport's annual even calendar after the 2026 season. That was a decision, F1 said, taken by the promoters themselves rather than an enforced departure. Robert van Overdijk, director of the Dutch Grand Prix, said of the call: "We are a privately owned and operated business, and we must balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event, against other risks and responsibilities. "We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026. We wanted to take this step, while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents, and the Formula 1 community. "I want to thank [F1 chief executive] Stefano Domenicali and all the team at Formula 1 for the hard work that has seen multiple contract extensions realised and the Dutch Grand Prix be such a success." It means Max Verstappen will no longer have a home race to look forward to each year after the 2026 campaign. Reacting to the news of its impending exit, the Dutchman said he was "sad" about its disappearance but "proud of what they have done".
Scottish Sun
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Popular F1 race to be scrapped from calendar after forcing team to change name to take part
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A FAN-FAVOURITE Formula One track will be scrapped from the calendar after 2026. The Dutch Grand Prix, the home race of reigning F1 world champion Max Verstappen, will be hosting its final two races on the motorsport's calendar later this year and next year. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 The Dutch Grand Prix will be leaving the F1 Calendar after 2026 Credit: Splash 4 The race returned to F1 in 2021 as part of a rise in interest from the nation due to Max Verstappen Credit: EPA 4 Betting laws in the country meant Sauber had to drop the name Stake from its name Credit: AFP This year the race weekend in Zandvoort is being held on August 29-31 - the first Grand Prix following the summer shutdown. However, Robert van Overdijk, the Dutch Grand Prix director, confirmed in December of last year that the circuit would only host races for two more years. He said: "We are a privately owned and operated business, and we must balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event, against other risks and responsibilities. "We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026. "We wanted to take this step while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents, and the Formula 1 community." Last year, Sauber - who are becoming Audi from 2026 - was forced to drop the Stake sponsor title from its team name because of strict betting rules in the Netherlands. Zandvoort only returned to F1 in 2021 to capitalise on a boom in interest in the Netherlands following the success of Red Bull star Verstappen - who has won four drivers titles in a row. For the track's final F1 appearance in 14 months time, it will remain as the first race following the shutdown, with the race itself commencing on August 23. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK The moves comes in a bid to ease race congestion. But F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also confirmed the final event will also play host to a Sprint Race. Former Formula 1 track in Valencia has been left abandoned Domenicali said: "The Dutch Grand Prix has raised the bar for European Grands Prix in terms of event spectacle and entertainment, supported the development of young talent by hosting F2, F3 and our F1 Academy series, and have also pioneered sustainable solutions that have inspired our events around the world as we drive towards being net zero by 2030. "All parties positively collaborated to find a solution to extend the race, with many options, including alternation or annual events on the table, and we respect the decision from the promoter to finish its amazing run in 2026." Rumours had suggested Zandvoort could be used in rotation with the Belgium Grand Prix, with has entered an agreement to alternate its years on the F1 calendar until 2031, meaning it will not host races in 2028 or 2030. Another iconic circuit in Imola was axed from the 2026 calendar in favour of a second Grand Prix in Spain, with Barcelona hosting an early season race before Madrid hosts an F1 race for the first time in 45 years. New tracks earmarked to fill the spot include an F1 return to Africa at South Africa's Kyalami circuit, while F1 have been in talks to add another street race on the streets of Bangkok, Thailand. The Dutch GP's exit could remarkably coincide with Verstappen's own exit from the sport, after he was tipped to quit F1 if he manages to win a fifth drivers title.
The Irish Sun
13-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Irish Sun
Popular F1 race to be scrapped from calendar after forcing team to change name to take part
A FAN-FAVOURITE Formula One track will be scrapped from the calendar after 2026. The Dutch Grand Prix, the home race of reigning F1 world champion 4 The Dutch Grand Prix will be leaving the F1 Calendar after 2026 Credit: Splash 4 The race returned to F1 in 2021 as part of a rise in interest from the nation due to Max Verstappen Credit: EPA 4 Betting laws in the country meant Sauber had to drop the name Stake from its name Credit: AFP This year the race weekend in Zandvoort is being held on August 29-31 - the first Grand Prix following the summer shutdown. However, Robert van Overdijk, the Dutch Grand Prix director, confirmed in December of last year that the circuit would only host races for two more years. He said: "We are a privately owned and operated business, and we must balance the opportunities presented by continuing to host the event, against other risks and responsibilities. "We have decided to go out on a high with two more incredible Dutch Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026. READ MORE IN F1 "We wanted to take this step while our event is adored and supported by passionate fans, residents, and the Formula 1 community." Last year, Sauber - who are becoming Audi from 2026 - was Zandvoort only returned to F1 in 2021 to capitalise on a boom in interest in the Netherlands following the success of Red Bull star Verstappen - who has won four drivers titles in a row. For the track's final F1 appearance in 14 months time, it will remain as the first race following the shutdown, with the race itself commencing on August 23. Most read in Football BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK The moves comes in a bid to ease race congestion. But F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has also confirmed the final event will also play host to a Sprint Race. Former Formula 1 track in Valencia has been left abandoned Domenicali said: "The Dutch Grand Prix has raised the bar for European Grands Prix in terms of event spectacle and entertainment, supported the development of young talent by hosting F2, F3 and our F1 Academy series, and have also pioneered sustainable solutions that have inspired our events around the world as we drive towards being net zero by 2030. "All parties positively collaborated to find a solution to extend the race, with many options, including alternation or annual events on the table, and we respect the decision from the promoter to finish its amazing run in 2026." Rumours had suggested Zandvoort could be used in rotation with the Another iconic circuit in New tracks earmarked to fill the spot include an F1 return to Africa at The Dutch GP's exit could remarkably coincide with 4
