A few weeks before the last Dutch Grand Prix, Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau announced the sale of his stake in the Zandvoort circuit, thus turning an important page.
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With his partner Menno de Jong (photo above), the prince had bought the circuit in 2016 before playing a major role in the return of Formula 1 to the Netherlands in 2021, after 36 years of absence.
This return coincided with the rise of Max Verstappen and the explosion of the sport’s popularity in the country.
Mission accomplished
Prince Bernhard, an excellent amateur driver in his time and a great motorsport enthusiast, has now decided to sell all his shares in the circuit, as well as in several other companies and real estate investments, to his partners Menno de Jong and Coen Groeneveld.
“We brought Formula 1 back to the Netherlands and Zandvoort has been in the spotlight worldwide for six editions. It’s hard to do better and you have to know when the right time is to hand over,” he said. I am transferring my shares to the partners with whom I built this adventure.”
The amount of the transaction has not been disclosed. However, the prince specifies that he will remain involved in motorsport while dedicating more time to new projects in the field of artificial intelligence.
Verstappen not very nostalgic
The Grand Prix on August 23 will be the last held at Zandvoort as part of the Formula 1 World Championship. While many see it as the end of an era, Max Verstappen approaches this event with more pragmatism than nostalgia.
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“I’ve had some great moments there,” the four-time world champion told Viaplay. “It’s also nice to have won there several times. Formula 1 won’t return there, but the circuit will always be there, so I can continue to drive there with other cars.” “In the end, it doesn’t change much for me.”
Verstappen has nevertheless planned a special tribute to his home Grand Prix: “I will obviously do my best. I will have a special helmet. It will be a small way to pay tribute to the Netherlands. That’s about all you can do.”
Zandvoort, a circuit better suited to 2026 rules
Beyond its symbolic nature, the Dutch event could also offer a show more in line with the traditional spirit of Formula 1. With its winding layout, Zandvoort should be less penalized by the energy management constraints that have sparked much criticism on fast circuits like Spa-Francorchamps.
Isack Hadjar also believes that Hungary has already shown what Formula 1 can be when drivers can exploit the full power of their car up to the braking point.
“It’s a bit sad to have to say that the best circuits are those where there is enough energy available,” he regretted. “Spa is one of the most beautiful circuits on the calendar, but it was also one of the most unpleasant to drive with this regulation. We think Zandvoort will also be a good circuit under these conditions, so we should enjoy it while we can, before getting to Monza.”
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