In September, the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix returned to the Netherlands. Tens of thousands of visitors travelled to CM.com Circuit Zandvoort and millions of people around the world enjoyed the event on TV or online. Friend and foe soon agreed: the event was a great success. Breda University of Applied Sciences (BUas) completed a scientific study into the economic and social impact of the event, which showed that the return of the event also has many positive effects on the region.

Positive economic impact
The Dutch Grand Prix has led to a lot of extra spending in Zandvoort and the region. The event generated € 22.3 million in additional spending in Zandvoort and € 44.5 million in the Amsterdam Metropolitan Region (including Zandvoort). This additional spending generated 244 jobs in Zandvoort and 498 jobs in the MRA region (including Zandvoort). It is striking that these figures, even with 2/3 of the total capacity due to the Corona measures, are higher than the predictions from the 2017 Desicio study.

Positive social impact
Residents, entrepreneurs and visitors were unanimous about how they experienced the Dutch Grand Prix. Residents were impressed by the event (87.2%) and thoroughly enjoyed (88.9%) the return of Formula 1 to Zandvoort. Entrepreneurs were also satisfied with the atmosphere in the village and in their own company (8.7 for the atmosphere in the village and 8.4 for the atmosphere in their own company). The visitors also enjoyed the good atmosphere in Zandvoort: 93% agree or totally agree with the statement ‘there is a good atmosphere in the village’ and 92% of the visitors felt welcome.

Zandvoort easily accessible
The ambitious mobility plan of the Dutch Grand Prix has resulted in more than expected positive figures regarding the sustainability requirements. The goal was to be a car-free event in three years, something that, with less than 5% of the visitors coming by car to their destination, was already largely achieved in 2021. Due to this distribution of the various means of transport, the event remained easily accessible, and the inflow and outflow went smoothly.

The above results and many more from this study were published on 26 January here.