Dutch GP survives another F1 axe attempt

Aug.3 - The Dutch F1 GP has survived yet another attempt to strike Zandvoort off the Formula 1 race calendar.

According to local media reports, environmentalist organisations had asked the country's Raad van State (Council of State) to revoke the circuit's environmental permit until a final ruling in 2023.

The revocation would have cast serious doubt on September's second running of the renewed Dutch F1 GP.

ZANDVOORT, NETHERLANDS - SEPTEMBER 05: Race winner Max Verstappen of Netherlands and Red Bull Racing celebrates as he drives into parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of The Netherlands at Circuit Zandvoort on September 05, 2021 in Zandvoort, Netherlands. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) // SI202109060106 // Usage for editorial use only //

In April, a court in Haarlem had initially dismissed the environmental organisations' claims about incorrect nitrogen calculations, but they then lodged appeals.

The Council of State declared that it had made its decision in Zandvoort's favour after weighing up the environmental and economic impacts of the F1 event.

It said the circuit has made "significant investments" in the natural areas around Zandvoort, although it admitted that further research into the nitrogen impacts should now follow.

"We are once again pleased that the Council of State also recognises that all parties involved have acted carefully in this regard," said Zandvoort director Robert van Overdijk.

"The ruling indicates that the new nature permit restricts the operation of the circuit, and for that reason alone, there can be no increase in nitrogen deposition.

"But it is also good to report that we are intrinsically motivated to become more sustainable."

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