Zandvoort's F1 farewell: A logistical nightmare that never improved

The final Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is over. Some will regret it, but most—especially those who worked there—are relieved. After six years, the honest conclusion is that Zandvoort never really improved.

Why it matters:

Zandvoort was once praised as a model for other races, with F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali highlighting its entertainment and organization. But the event's persistent logistical failures show that even a celebrated venue can struggle to fix fundamental issues, raising questions about the sport's ability to learn from its own events.

The details:

• A promising start: The 2021 return proved doubters wrong by using public transport and bicycles to overcome the village's impossible access roads. Entertainment was top-notch, and grandstands stayed full.
• No progress on crowd control: Unlike circuits like China, Zandvoort had no strict pedestrian routes, leading to peak congestion and hour-long waits for fans.
• A daily ordeal for workers: Shuttle buses were delayed by cyclists, creating a chaotic mix of buses and bikes. The drop-off point required multiple crossings, and the walk from parking to paddock took 30-45 minutes.
• Illogical paddock layout: A long walk separated hospitality from garages, with fans able to approach drivers and team personnel, leading to constant harassment.
• Noisy media centre: Journalists worked to the thump of bass from events, and on Sunday evening, the dismantling of the tent added to the chaos.

What's next:

The Dutch GP is gone, and Zandvoort returns to its regular motorsport calendar. For those who worked the event, the relief is palpable. It was great to have F1 back, but after six years, the verdict is clear: it never got better—only worse.