Zandvoort’s hopes of hosting a Dutch Grand Prix next year have received two setbacks, including a deadline from Liberty Media.
The venue, which last welcomed Formula 1 in 1985, has been trying to trade on its history to secure a deal as the sport’s owners look to capitalise on the boom in popularity caused by Max Verstappen.
However, Autosport now claims the circuit only has until the end of March before MotoGP track Assen will be given the opportunity to take the contract.
In a further blow, the publication also says Holland’s government has ruled out offering state funding for the race, claiming it doesn’t meet the required criteria.
“The question is whether this justifies the use of tax resources from the [national] government and the government is of the opinion that this is not the case,” minister for health and sport Bruno Bruins said.
Bruins cited F1’s commercial status and how similar events were held without state help and also believed it would provide an opportunity for businesses to profit from the “considerable economic value” a Dutch GP would bring.
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While Assen has already stated it has the money in place to agree a deal with Liberty, Zandvoort circuit director Robert van Overdijk also insists finances aren’t an issue and can be secured through “model guarantees”.
“As the circuit management we, together with our fellow initiators TIG and SportVibes [the nominated promoter], feel supported by the fact that the minister welcomes our initiative,” he added.
“We will take the message of the minister into account in our discussions with the FOM and in the meantime we will keep working very hard to make this unique event happen.”
Both venues will also require some redevelopment to host F1, with FIA race director Charlie Whiting claiming small changes are needed to meet the necessary Grade 1 safety standard.