Liberty Media’s control of MotoGP begins to show its influence on F1. Assen could replace Zandvoort in the Formula 1 calendar after 2026, following Liberty Media’s acquisition of MotoGP.

Are the First Effects of Liberty Media’s Acquisition of MotoGP Beginning to Emerge? Assen Emerges as a Candidate to Replace Zandvoort

The TT Circuit Assen, widely recognised as the historic “Cathedral of MotoGP”, is officially stepping forward as a candidate to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix. This move comes just a few months after it was confirmed that the Zandvoort circuit will disappear from the Formula One calendar after the 2026 season. For the first time, the leadership of the legendary Dutch track has openly expressed a concrete interest in joining the Formula 1 World Championship, often referred to as the “Circus” due to its global nature and travelling format. Although, at this stage, the idea remains only hypothetical, a negotiation involving Assen—perhaps within the framework of a Grand Prix rotation system among European venues—cannot be ruled out.

Formula 1 – The End of the Zandvoort Era Creates Space for Assen

The confirmation that Circuit Zandvoort will not renew its contract with Formula 1 has created a significant opportunity. The coastal circuit, which was reintroduced to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021 largely thanks to the massive support generated by Dutch driver Max Verstappen’s popularity, has not been able to secure the public funding necessary to ensure the financial sustainability of the event. Even the proposal from Liberty Media to implement a biennial rotation with other European Grands Prix was not sufficient to keep the Dutch Grand Prix alive beyond 2026.

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The willingness of the TT Circuit Assen to open its doors to the top tier of international single-seater motorsport comes at a strategically significant time in the broader context of global motorsport. The recent acquisition of the MotoGP commercial rights by Liberty Media—the same U.S.-based holding company that already owns the commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship—is fostering new synergies between the two leading platforms in global motorsport.

In this context, the potential arrival of Formula 1 at a venue as symbolic and deeply rooted in two-wheeled racing heritage as Assen would carry a symbolic weight that transcends mere logistics or temporary opportunity. It would represent a unifying gesture in Liberty Media’s growing motorsport empire.

“There is no formal offer currently on the table, but if Formula 1 is interested in racing in the Netherlands, we are ready,” said Arjen Bos, the managing director of the TT Circuit Assen, during an interview with NPO Radio 1. “Hosting a Formula One Grand Prix is realistic for our facilities. We believe we are fully up to the task.”

Technical Features of the Assen Circuit

The modern layout of the TT Circuit Assen measures 4.555 kilometres (approximately 2.83 miles) and includes a total of 18 corners—12 right-handers and 6 left-handers. The circuit is known for being both fluid and technically demanding, offering a fast rhythm and quick changes of direction that test both driver skill and car setup.

The main straight is 560 metres long, and the track width ranges from 10 to 14 metres throughout, characteristics that could make the circuit compatible with modern Formula 1 standards in terms of both safety and entertainment value. Over the years, the circuit has undergone several modifications, the most significant of which was in 2006. That update was aimed at improving accessibility, safety standards, and infrastructure, bringing the venue closer to the standards expected of modern global motorsport events.

In terms of logistics and crowd management, the existing facilities at Assen are already designed to handle large-scale international events, including MotoGP races that draw tens of thousands of spectators—indicating that the infrastructure could realistically accommodate a Formula 1 event.

Europe’s Place in an Evolving Global Calendar

Despite the readiness of Assen, Arjen Bos is candid about the challenges that a potential inclusion in the Formula 1 calendar would involve, especially in a context where the championship is clearly expanding into new and emerging markets around the world. The recent contract extension of the Austrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring until 2041 is just one example of a strategy aimed at ensuring long-term stability for selected events, while at the same time accelerating expansion beyond traditional European strongholds.

“It is clear that if some events must be excluded, the races in Western Europe will be the first to be at risk,” Bos admitted. “Formula 1 is becoming increasingly global, and we are aware that our chances are not high. However, should an opportunity present itself, we would give it very serious consideration.”

This statement underlines both the ambition and realism with which Assen is approaching the possibility of becoming a Formula 1 host venue. As Liberty Media reshapes the global motorsport landscape, circuits like Assen may yet find a place in the evolving Formula 1 calendar—particularly if strategic opportunities like race rotation or synergy with MotoGP events are embraced.