The government may not issue permits in time for organizers to hold the event next year.
Two new races have been added to the F1 schedule for the 2020 season–in Vietnam and in the Netherlands. And while finishing touches are made on the street circuit in Hanoi, major problems have surfaced in the Netherlands.
It’s a conflict between politicians and environmentalists. The issue is land permits, and it’s now debatable whether the race will be held as scheduled originally on May 3, 2020.
The Netherlands has two important circuits. One is in the northeast part of the country–in the Groningen region called Assen. It’s known for holding the Moto GP Dutch Grand Prix event. The other circuit is in the northwest coast near the town of Haarlem at the seaside resort known as Zandvoort.
Assen was on organizers’ minds initially to host the event. But Zandvoort was selected because it has a history of Grand Prix racing there–even though that hasn’t happened since 1985.
Sander Lely: “It’s 50/50.”
But the country’s highest court has banned the area from obtaining permits to build near the nature reserves. The intent is to eliminate nitrogen admissions for the future. Zandvoort sits between a nature preserve and the coastline. Because of its location, environmental law expert, Sander Lely told Reuters News Agency that it’s a toss-up about whether the government will relent.
“I see a 50/50 chance of this event being canceled,” Lely said. “It will be incredibly difficult for the organizers to obtain all the necessary permits on time. They will have to prove how they will limit nitrogen emissions–instead of simply promising to emit less during the rest of the year,” Lely added.
And there’s more to this story. The track needs an upgrade to meet F.I.A. standards. For that to happen, permits are required to expand the circuit, build new access roads, and construct stands to accommodate an additional 200,000 fans who will attend the event.
North-Holland government spokeswoman Martine van den Heuvel explained that needed construction has not even begun.“There is a permit for the race itself, but we have not yet received an application for the work on the track and in its surroundings,” she said. van den Heuvel, who is currently in talks with the organizers, would not comment on the timing of the process.
The loss of this race, if it happens, will anger many Dutch fans who attend Grand Prix events in orange-clad clothing. Red Bull driver and local hero, Max Verstappen, is one reason why this track was suggested. It will enable that sea of orange to attend a race on their home circuit.
Now that is in doubt and up in the air until a final call is made. If it doesn’t happen, then Orange (for the Netherlands) may become the new Red (as in anger).
