Assen targets Formula 1 return to the Netherlands despite two major hurdles. Could Assen host Formula 1? Dutch circuit faces two major obstacles.

Assen eyes a place on the Formula 1 calendar despite two major challenges

The Netherlands could eventually host a second era of Formula 1 racing beyond Zandvoort, with the iconic Assen circuit openly expressing its ambition to welcome the championship in the coming years. While enthusiasm for keeping Formula 1 in the country remains strong, turning that vision into reality will require overcoming two significant obstacles.

Speaking to SoyMotor.it, representatives from the Assen circuit expressed confidence that a Formula 1 Grand Prix in Drenthe is a realistic long-term objective. According to the circuit’s management, there is widespread public support for keeping Formula 1 in the Netherlands, and they believe Assen has the potential to become the championship’s future Dutch venue.

“There are many possibilities because a lot of people want Formula 1 to remain in the Netherlands, and we believe it can happen,” the circuit’s management explained.

A crowded Formula 1 calendar leaves little room for new races

Despite the optimism surrounding the project, Assen faces an immediate challenge that affects many circuits hoping to join the Formula 1 calendar.

The championship schedule is already heavily congested, with no available slots expected before the 2029 season. Formula 1 currently operates one of the busiest calendars in its history, making it extremely difficult for new venues to secure a place unless an existing Grand Prix leaves the championship.

This means that, even if Assen were ready from a technical standpoint, it would still have to wait for an opportunity to emerge within Formula 1’s long-term calendar planning.

FIA Grade 1 certification remains another essential requirement

The second major hurdle concerns the circuit itself.

At present, Assen does not hold the FIA Grade 1 licence required to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Obtaining that certification would require substantial infrastructure upgrades, safety improvements and a comprehensive approval process conducted by the FIA.

Only once those modifications have been completed and the circuit successfully passes the governing body’s inspections could Assen become eligible to stage a Formula 1 race.

For now, the Dutch venue’s Formula 1 ambitions remain exactly that—an ambitious long-term project. However, with strong local support and a clear desire to keep Formula 1 racing in the Netherlands, Assen is determined to continue working toward making that objective a reality in the years ahead.