Formula E Eyes Long-Term Zandvoort Deal for 2027 Gen4 Era

Formula E CEO Jeff Dodds has expressed a strong desire to secure Zandvoort as a long-term host for the all-electric championship, targeting the 2027 season which will debut the new Gen4 car. The Dutch circuit, set to lose its Formula 1 race after 2026, is viewed as an ideal venue to fill that void and establish a stable home for Formula E.

Why it matters:

Zandvoort's potential departure from the F1 calendar creates a significant opportunity for Formula E to anchor itself at a premier European motorsport facility. Securing a long-term deal at a permanent circuit like Zandvoort, rather than relying on temporary street circuits, would mark a strategic shift for the series, offering stability and a purpose-built venue to showcase its next-generation technology.

The details:

• Formula E leadership, including Dodds, has held ongoing discussions with the circuit's ownership group, led by Prince Bernhard van Orange-Nassau and investor Menno de Jong.
• Dodds praised Zandvoort's infrastructure, noting its proximity to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport and suggesting its layout—considered "a bit small for F1"—could be "perfect for Gen4."
• The existing circuit infrastructure, including a split paddock and multiple layout options, would require minimal modification for Formula E, unlike many current street circuits which will need major redesigns for the more powerful Gen4 car.
• The series sees the 2027 season as the ideal starting point, allowing the Gen4 car—with 600kW of power (over 815 bhp)—to be showcased at a facility that can handle its performance.

What's next:

While no formal agreement has been announced, Dodds confirmed a clear "willingness on our side" for a long-term partnership. The decision ultimately rests with Zandvoort's owners. If finalized, a deal would bring Formula E to a market with demonstrated passion for motorsport, fueled by Max Verstappen's success and the presence of Dutch driver Nyck de Vries in the championship, providing a strategic foothold in a key European region.