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The Dutch GP weekend has now really started and Zandvoort is ready

31 August 2022 at 13:42
Last update 31 August 2022 at 14:14
  • GPblog.com

The Grand Prix weekend at Circuit Zandvoort officially started with the first presentation of Heineken. GPblog joined the press moment in the Dutch dunes where the new trophy was unveiled, where there was also a look ahead to the weekend with Stefano Domenicali, Jan Lammers, Giedo van der Garde and Lando Norris.

Heineken in Zandvoort

Even before the F1 drivers start the weekend, there will be a press moment on behalf of Heineken in Zandvoort on Wednesday. This year, Heineken is more visible than ever on and around the circuit with the campaign 'When You Drive Never Drink' and this year's new campaign 'Riding is still driving'.

Hélène Hendriks is present as the presenter and she first introduces Heineken's Marketing Director, Els Dijkhuizen. An important pillar for Heineken is the party that the Dutch can celebrate together during F1. We are one' is the motto of this weekend. Yet Heineken also sticks to its own culture, because in the paddock, for example, you can find a caravan that you could win (the winners have already been called by Heineken).

What people come to Zandvoort for is the racing. In 2021 Max Verstappen won the Dutch Grand Prix for the first time since his return and that caused a hugely popular party. At the time, it was done with two-thirds of the entire line-up. 'Last year it hurt a lot that we couldn't receive those fans,' says Jan Lammers, who can still feel the pain of disappointing so many fans.

Full grandstands in 2022

Lammers is delighted that the Dutch GP in 2022 will be fully booked with orange fans. Not much has changed at the circuit. Lammers states that there are thousands of ideas on a list to improve and mentions the more efficient organisation of the hospitality units as one of those improved parts.

That there is still plenty of room for improvement at Zandvoort also becomes clear when Stefano Domenicali steps onto the podium. The F1 CEO praises the event. In his opinion, the Dutch GP of 2021 was an example for many other races and Zandvoort has raised the bar for all other organisers. Domenicali also praised the fans, about whom there were questions beforehand. Would they cheer for all the drivers? "On the contrary. The fans showed maturity by cheering for Lewis and other drivers and teams.'' Domenicali is, therefore, curious to see all the enthusiasm when all the stands are full. Still, there is one clear point for improvement: infrastructure.

Point of improvement for Zandvoort

If Hendriks asks Domenicali for a point of improvement, he has to be honest. "We have to do more on infrastructure. Zandvoort is very small and we have to do everything to improve the experience of the fans. It is not criticism, but positive feedback to grow'', says the CEO.

Zandvoort seems everything is ready for F1. A full line-up should make the party even bigger and will be an even bigger test for the organisation. Getting into Zandvoort (by car) is not easy, but for a small place with only one access road, a lot has been arranged to make traffic flow as smooth as possible. This tight structure can also be seen on and around the track, even during a short cycle round.

The new trophy for Dutch GP

Lando Norris is also present. The Brit replaces his teammate who was scheduled to drive, but Norris looks relaxed. On Giedo's advice, he went golfing in the Netherlands and is thus steadily working on his good handicap. For a change, he also pulls out his usual line when seeing orange fans: ''Nice to see all those McLaren supporters. Yes, I will use that (quote) as long as I drive for McLaren'', Norris sees the irony in it.

The McLaren driver likes Zandvoort as a circuit where a driver is really tested. ''We (F1 drivers) don't really like the gravel traps and walls, but it ensures that the driver with the most guts wins." For McLaren, it is especially important to make up ground on Alpine after a lesser result in Belgium. With more downforce on the car, Norris hopes for a positive final result.

Finally, the new trophy is presented. Pablo Lücker designed the trophy and is also present. The contemporary artist proudly presents his latest creation, which will be owned by the first person to cross the line on Sunday.

GPblog will be present at the paddock in Zandvoort this weekend. So don't miss the latest news on our website!