Zandvoort: 'Unthinkable' to host 2020 event behind closed doors

The return of the Dutch Grand Prix should be celebrated as a party and it is “unthinkable” for it to be held behind closed doors, affirms the race's sporting director Jan Lammers

2020 is set to see F1's comeback to the Netherlands for the first time since 1985, however its original date of early May has been banished due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

It is not yet certain when, or if, the Dutch Grand Prix will be held in 2020 - but if it goes ahead, organisers are keen for it to do so with packed grandstands.

MORE19-race season possible with July start - Brawn | Lammers: Why not hold F1 races on Tuesday or Wednesday?

“A race without fans is an unthinkable scenario,” Lammers told Autosport. “If you have a race, is has to be without compromise. You have to be able te celebrate.

“For us it’s about the return of Formula 1 after 35 years. That should be a great party that you want to celebrate with everyone.”

However, the circuit may have to reconsider its mindset if it receives a formal request from F1 regarding no fans in the stands.

“If we’re being asked that question, we will have seriously think about it,” Lammers added.

“A race without fans is not something we want to think about until we’re being asked that question. Fortunately that hasn’t happened yet. As far as we’re concerned though, it’s just not possible."

Replies (1)

Login to reply
  • f1dave

    Posts: 782

    No fans , unthinkable
    Wednesday night racing, good idea
    ? ? ?

    • + 0
    • Apr 10 2020 - 15:38

AZ Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

AZAzerbaijan Grand Prix

Local time 

Test calendar

See full test schedule

World Championship standings 2025

Show full world champion standings

Related news

Give your opinion!

Will Bottas challenge Hamilton for the world championship in 2020?

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix
Circuit
-
Spain
-
Bahrain
-
Bahrain
6 - Mar 8
Australia
13 - Mar 15
China
27 - Mar 29
Japan
10 - Apr 12
Bahrain
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia
1 - May 3
United States of America
22 - May 24
Canada
5 - Jun 7
Monaco
12 - Jun 14
Spain
See full schedule

Formula 1 Calendar - 2026

Date
Grand Prix & Circuit
6 - Mar 8
Australia Albert Park
13 - Mar 15
27 - Mar 29
10 - Apr 12
17 - Apr 19
Saudi Arabia Jeddah Street Circuit
1 - May 3
United States of America Miami International Autodrome
22 - May 24
5 - Jun 7
Monaco Monte Carlo
12 - Jun 14
See full schedule
show sidebar