Jan Lammers, sporting director of the Dutch GP, has written an open letter to all the fans who made the Dutch racing event special over the past years. The former F1 driver knows that the Zandvoort circuit will disappear from the calendar after this year. As the sixth and final edition approaches its climax, he looks back on the impact of the event. “Cherish the memories and enjoy our last lap.
Read more Kimi Antonelli accepts grid penalty during Italian GP: ‘Must think about the title’
“As a boy from Zandvoort, I grew up with the sound of race cars in my backyard,” Lammers begins his story. “I have driven here myself, I have seen Formula 1 come and go, and was able to experience the adventure of the return up to this last lap up close.” In 2021, the native of Zandvoort was appointed sporting director of the Dutch GP. In an interview with Formula 1 Magazine, he explained that for years he ‘bridged the gap’ between the organization and the Dutch motorsport fans.
“When we started that years ago, many people called us crazy,” he continues. “A Formula 1 race in Zandvoort? In this day and age? On that small circuit between the dunes and the sea?
But in 2021 we were there. And you were there too. In orange. With hundreds of thousands at once.
From the first train in the morning until long after the last car crossed the finish line.
What emerged there, even we could not have imagined. Zandvoort became more than a race.
It became an image that spread all over the world. Orange grandstands. The dunes. The sea. The tension when Max came onto the track. But above all: an audience that showed how great the love for motorsport can be.”
Read more Lewis Hamilton has regained confidence: ‘I am so much happier with the car’
Jan Lammers praises atmosphere at Zandvoort
“Drivers and teams from all over the world talked about the atmosphere in Zandvoort,” Lammers proudly says. “Not because we told them it was special, but because they felt it themselves. That is what you did. After six editions, it now comes to an end. That feels strange. Because when something has become so special, you actually want to hold on to it. But maybe we should especially realize what has happened here.”
“A small country brought one of the biggest sporting events in the world back to a place where
many thought it was impossible. Almost two million visitors later, we know better. It was possible. Because many people believed in it. Because thousands of people worked on it. And because you came back every year. Unfortunately, this is the last Dutch Grand Prix,” he concludes. “But what has emerged here over the past six years does not disappear today with the last checkered flag. The images remain. The stories too. And somewhere in the dunes, the sound of those Formula 1 cars and your cheers will linger for a long time. Cherish the memories and enjoy one last lap.”
Read more Lando Norris examines title chances: ‘Maybe if Mercedes gets a double disqualification’
Read everything about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort here
