As August approaches its second part, the F1 scene appears to be silent. This situation will not last much longer: in less than two weeks, the sport will be in Zandvoort, Netherlands, for the first grand prix of a back-to-back that concludes with Monza.
The two races are experiencing diametrically opposite moments: while Zandvoort achieved a sold-out status shortly after promoters put tickets on sale, Monza won’t see a full house. This was announced by Angelo Sticchi Damiani, president of ACI, who candidly stated that the record of 330,000 attendees from last year should be forgotten. Monza will pay the price for Ferrari’s lackluster season and the numerous service issues that emerged twelve months ago, which affected an audience aware of what goes on behind the cameras.
The historic Monza track reflects the suffering of some European circuits struggling to adapt to Liberty Media’s logistical and organizational demands, floundering even more in an attempt to match the immense financial resources available to Middle Eastern or North American counterparts that seemingly have no financial constraints.
The gradual shift of the F1 axis to other parts of the globe can also be explained by an inability to keep up with a series in constant and unstoppable evolution. Some promoters in the Old Continent have realized that nothing is guaranteed with Liberty Media. The dogmatism that prevailed in the past is an outdated view. There are no unshakable totems.
Thus, certain organizers have taken to renewing their facilities internally and, above all, in terms of generating related events. Hungaroring and Spa-Francorchamps are the most glaring examples. It’s no coincidence that Budapest has signed a multi-year renewal and that the Belgian track, after recent difficulties, has been included in the 2024 Formula 1 calendar. Something not taken for granted.
The imperative for survival is renewal. As well as finding a hefty sum to satisfy Liberty Media’s financial appetite. Often, the two things go hand in hand. Functional facilities that can diversify their offerings attract audiences and sponsors, making it much simpler to gather the substantial amounts demanded by Stefano Domenicali and associates.
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F1, Zandvoort: A European Survival Model
From this perspective, Zandvoort has paved a path that could be a model for realities whose future is not exactly bright. Consider Imola and Monza, for example. Stefano Domenicali has recently publicly praised the Dutch promoters for injecting fresh air into the European circuit community.
They have done this despite having a relatively small track and outdated facilities. “They brought a new way of having an incredible event: in terms of passionate people, in terms of community sense, in terms of entertainment, music, and energy,” said the F1 chief executive officer.
Stefano Domenicali believes that Zandvoort’s success has balanced the right elements of entertainment, sport, and fan engagement. They were the first to introduce musical events that got people dancing. This type of entertainment aligns with Liberty Media‘s desires and sets the standard to pursue.
A breath of fresh air for Formula 1, benefiting from the Max Verstappen effect. But this cannot be the sole explanation for a winning format. “They believed in the project, they put money on the table, and they promoted this event in an incredible way,” highlighted the former Ferrari manager from Imola.
The Verstappen effect, or the boost from the extraordinary moment of the Dutchman, could bring satisfaction. Promoters are astute and understand that they must continue on the path of innovation because Max’s “magic moment” won’t last forever.
Zandvoort’s Model of Mobility: No to Cars, Yes to Alternative Means
Zandvoort’s ability to lead as a trailblazer goes beyond Max Verstappen and especially beyond entertainment for its own sake, emphasizing sustainability. Last year, only three percent of visitors arrived by car: 43 percent used public transportation, 37 percent bicycles, 5 percent walked, and 12 percent organized minibuses to optimize travel costs. The Dutch goal is to achieve 98 percent “alternative” mobility by 2023 and reach 100 percent by 2025.
This dynamic fully aligns with the dictates of the Net Zero Carbon program established by FIA and Liberty Media for 2023. Satisfying these parameters, which are also mandatory for teams and the tire supplier of the future, who faced a set of precise ecological constraints in the bidding process for the 2025-2027 triennium, is crucial.
Thus, Zandvoort is not only about spectacle and homage to an F1 that thrives on the “orange factor,” but it’s also and primarily a new benchmark that any other group seeking admission to the Circus must consider. This way, the Netherlands ensures a bright future, something unfortunately not evident in Italy, where people continue to live day by day, hoping an external force will intervene to overcome problems that should be tackled once and for all, with drastic choices.
Source: Diego Catalano for FUnoanalisitecnica
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