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Zandvoort F1 pits to be extended by six garages for 2024

The Zandvoort circuit is set to commence work on an extension of the pitlane that will add six extra garages in time for next year’s Formula 1 Dutch GP.

The tight pitlane and small main paddock have been regarded as the biggest compromises since discussions about a return of the race first began.

The hope is that the changes will help to secure the event’s long-term future, while also allowing for any potential expansion of the F1 grid.

The pitlane issue led to the FIA allowing drivers to start behind a safety car on intermediates rather than the usually compulsory wets in order to avoid a mass rush into the pits.

On Sunday the rain came late and after a normal start, several drivers headed in for intermediates at the end of the first lap.

Most teams opted not to double stack their cars due to the space restriction, which compromised those who stayed out for an extra lap, notably Max Verstappen, Carlos Sainz and Esteban Ocon.

The one team that did double stack was AlphaTauri, which led to a 10-second penalty for Liam Lawson, whose car blocked the exit of Kevin Magnussen.

The safety car start intermediate rule was then applied at the restart after the red flag late in the race.

The short pitlane also contributed to a low-key presence in Zandvoort for the Apple F1 film production, which has occupied garages at several recent events.

"We could do with more space to just allow for a bit more safety and also for the pit stops so there's just more working space,” Dutch GP sporting director Jan Lammers told Autosport.

Source: Autosport

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