52 minutes Ago
A Bittersweet Goodbye
Moolenburgh didn't hide his disappointment at seeing the event come to a close. "It is extremely unfortunate. I have always considered it a gift that we were able to host the event," he said. Still, he admitted he'd always known the arrangement wouldn't last forever, saying he had accepted from the start that the race would only be temporary. He also made clear that he understands why organizers ultimately chose to end it.
Looking back, the mayor believes Zandvoort has come out ahead thanks to Formula 1's presence. "It has increased our profile and created a great atmosphere," he explained. Over six editions, the race brought real financial benefits to the region, with hotels and the wider hospitality industry seeing much of that boost. Beyond the money, Moolenburgh pointed to the town's growing international pull, drawing in fans from countries where motorsport holds a special place in people's hearts.
Lasting Changes Beyond the Track
The benefits, according to Moolenburgh, go well beyond a few thrilling race weekends. He noted that hosting the Grand Prix pushed forward major upgrades to local infrastructure, including improvements to the railway line and station, longer platforms, and a stronger electrical network for the trains. "Those are lasting improvements," he said, adding that these changes will continue to serve the town long after the cars have gone.
The Dutch Grand Prix made its comeback to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, though not without controversy. Environmental groups pushed back hard against the race, even threatening legal action over its permits. While Moolenburgh steered clear of commenting directly on those disputes, he had nothing but praise for the organizers who pushed the event forward regardless. "There was a lot of opposition and skepticism, but they persevered. It was a remarkable achievement and required a great deal of determination," he said.
As the final race approaches, Moolenburgh expects to feel what many in Zandvoort will likely feel too, a tangled mix of emotions. There's pride in what the town accomplished, and relief if the weekend wraps up smoothly without any major hiccups. But underneath all that, he admits, will be something harder to shake: a quiet sense of nostalgia, and the difficult task of saying goodbye.
