Mark van Aalderen, the new director of TT Circuit Assen, has informed BNR about the possibility of resuming the Formula 1 Grand Prix of the Netherlands on the Drenthe circuit. The circuit is struggling with a major obstacle because the FIA ​​postponed the issue of a license.

In a recent conversation with the radio program De Nationale Autoshow of BNR, Mark van Aalderen, the brand new director of the legendary TT Circuit Assen, a nuanced image of the future motorsport ambitions in Drenthe. Since 1 September 2025, Van Aalderen has taken over the helm of his predecessor Peter Oosterbaan, who led the ‘Cathedral of Speed’ for almost 25 years. With his extensive experience within the organization – he started as an intern twenty years ago – the new director brings a fresh look, but also a realistic note when it comes to the coveted return of Formula 1 to the Netherlands. The Dutch Grand Prix, which is held in Zandvoort from 2021 to 2026, is approaching his denouement, and many are eagerly looking forward to a possible successor. Assen, with its rich history in the MotoGP and other two-wheeler events, positions itself as a logical candidate, but the road to a grade 1 license of the FIA ​​appears to be bumpy.

“Yes, it could be technically,” said Van Aalderen in the BNR conversation, referring to the infrastructure of the circuit. The TT Circuit, located in the heart of Drenthe, has a job that meets the basic requirements for a Formula 1 race. The layout is wide enough, with sufficient space for adjustments such as an extra loop to create catch-up options, without affecting the beloved MotoGP configuration. The facilities are modern: the pit building and the stands surpass those of many existing F1 circuit. Accessibility is an asset; Via the A28 and the nearby Assen station, the circuit is well accessible, and the capacity for spectators – with peaks of more than 100,000 visitors during the TT – offers potential for a large -scale spectacle. Van Aalderen emphasizes that a grade 1 license, essential for F1 events, would be feasible within one winter break. Previous inspections by the FIA, including a positive assessment of the track aspects such as width and safety, underline this. In 2023, the motorsport federation already concluded that Assen is in principle suitable, provided that the necessary upgrades are implemented.

Nevertheless, a crucial obstacle throws a soot in the works: the FIA ​​postponed the issue of the license. This is not a purely technical issue, but an administrative and financial stumbling block. The grade 1-homologation not only requires adjustments to the slopes-such as higher crash barriers, advanced tire barriers and improved emergency exits-but also a strict audit at the organizational level. The FIA, which keeps the calendar tight in hand, prioritates circuits with proven track records and robust financial backing. For Assen this means that a formal application is only useful if there are concrete plans for a race. Van Aalderen is careful: “If we wanted a grade 1 license, then we can get it in a winter, but there must first be a business case.” That case is currently missing. Organizing an F1 race in Western Europe, and certainly in the Netherlands, is a precious undertaking. The annual fee at the FIA ​​is estimated to be more than 100 million euros, excluding investments in infrastructure, marketing and logistics. Zandvoort, which host the Dutch GP since 2021, could only strongly work this through a consortium of large companies and government support. Even there the contract expires after 2026, with uncertainty about an extension due to rising costs and traffic.

Van Aalderen looks back on Zandvoort with admiration. “I have seen it up close a few times. In terms of level, in terms of the way of organizing and in terms of experience, it is really one of the very best events we have ever had in the Netherlands.” The Dutch Grand Prix not only brought sporty top class – with iconic moments such as Max Verstappens triumphs – but also an orange -hedging that set the whole country on fire. Assen has drawn lessons from this success: the organization monitors visitor numbers, the logistics and the fan experience to see how an F1 event would fit into the Drenthe context. But the director watches for mismatches. “The TT audience is not a Formula 1 audience. That is something we monitor very firmly.” In contrast to Zandvents Mix of Hardcore Fans and Partygoers, Assen mainly attracts motorcycle enthusiasts and families. No Dutch artists on stage, but a focus on pure racing sport. This year the circuit celebrated its 100th anniversary with the TT, an event that attracted 105,000 spectators and laid the foundation for sustainable growth.

The financial reality temperes the euphoria. “I think that such business cases in Western Europe, and certainly in the Netherlands, are actually no longer available,” says Van Aalderen. Potential investors – from private equity to local authorities – have not yet reported. The circuit could rent the track, but no party dares to take the leap without guarantees. Similar to Zandvoort, where an alliance of heavyweights was needed, Assen would need a similar model. The director sees opportunities in hybrid events, such as an F1 test day or a support race, but a full Grand Prix remains a distant dream. The FIA’s restraint with licenses plays a role in this: the federation does not want to apply for half-bakes and prioritates expansion in emerging markets such as Asia and the Middle East, where the returns are higher.

Still, Hoop flood follows with fans and stakeholders. Assen positions itself as an alternative to Zandvoort, with benefits such as less traffic chaos and a more natural location. The recent appointment of Van Aalderen, with his internal knowledge, offers stability. In the coming months he will be planning consultations with partners-from the MotoGP organizers to the province of Drenthe-to forge a vision. “We could rent the circuit. It is good. But there has not been a party to date that can handle it and dare.” Whether Formula 1 ever roars over the Drenthe hills depends on that one breakthrough: a solid financier and a green license from the FIA.

The motorsport world holds its breath. With the calendar that evolves and the Netherlands as a birthplace of talent such as Verstappen, a race in Assen would be a logical step. But as Van Aalderen summarizes it: technology is there, the will is there, but the wallet and the papers have to follow. For the time being, the TT Circuit remains the king of the engines, with a lateral look at the royal class of the cars.