Dutch GP at Zandvoort could cause rail chaos

With Formula 1 preparing to confirm the Dutch Grand Prix's spot on the 2020 calendar, the Netherlands national rail network has warned that accessibility to the Zandvoort circuit could be a major problem. According to the National Railways, the existing infrastructure cannot handle an expanded timetable that F1 would require.

The beach town also has limited access by road and air, with an expected surge of fans, especially in the Netherlands, expected on the back of Max Verstappen's huge popularity in the country.

Dutch Railways raised the alarm to Dagblad van het Noorden, warning that a lot of work will have to be done on the rail link to get the fans to the circuit.

"The extended timetable with longer trains is not possible with the current energy supply on that route," said a spokesperson. "We therefore ask ProRail to improve the overhead contact line, because more power needs to go there."

According to the Dutch Railways, studies have shown that putting on larger trains to Zandvoort with the current infrastructure would quickly lead to malfunctions.

"The NS wants to bring an average of between 12,500 and 15,000 visitors per hour to Zandvoort," the spokesperson explains.

Currently, no more than 5,000 people make the same journey every day.

"The Dutch Railways hopes that ProRail will come up with the necessary investment: "Formula 1 is an excellent reason to do so."

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