Instead, what Zandvoort unleashed since its comeback was a vision of F1’s future: of a venue willing to go the extra mile in delivering entertainment and an exciting package for fans that went far beyond just what was happening on track.
In fact, Zandvoort has been praised by F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali for delivering "fresh air", and helping set a benchmark for what is expected from modern era grand prix events.
“I want to congratulate the Dutch promoter because, without disrespect to anyone, they brought a great fresh air to the European community,” explained Domenicali. “Despite the small track, and despite the old facilities, they brought a new way of having an incredible event: in terms of passionate people, in terms of sense of community, in terms of entertainment, in terms of music and in terms of energy.”
Domenicali thinks that Zandvoort’s success has been balancing the right elements of entertainment, sport and fan engagement, alongside a great atmosphere fuelled by passionate fans all eager to cheer on their home hero Max Verstappen.
“The energy is pretty clear,” he said. “They were the ones to be the first and say: look at the music, look at the way that all the people were dancing. It was something really spectacular. And it has been an example that has been used in other places immediately.”
Domenicali thinks that Zandvoort captured an experience that was exactly in line with what F1 believes should be the standard for all grand prix venues.
“It was interesting because it was totally aligned with our vision of having events that have to be different from place to place, and unique in terms of the offering to the fans. It has been an incredible fresh air coming into the system. It seems that we have been in Zandvoort for 30 years, but we are only there for two years! And to think that already in the future, the tickets are sold out is impressive.
Source: Autosport