The Zandvoort circuit is set to begin work on an extension of the pitlane, which will add six additional garages in preparation for the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix next year. The existing tight pitlane and small main paddock area have been considered as the biggest compromises since discussions began about bringing the race back.

The hope is that these changes will not only secure the event’s long-term future but also accommodate any potential expansion of the F1 grid. The pitlane issue led to the FIA allowing drivers to start behind a safety car on intermediate tires, rather than the usually compulsory wet tires, to avoid a rush into the pits in case of rain.

On Sunday, rain arrived late, and some drivers opted for intermediates at the end of the first lap. However, most teams did not double-stack their cars due to space restrictions, compromising those who stayed out for an extra lap. The short pitlane also affected the presence of the Apple F1 film production team in Zandvoort.

Dutch GP sporting director Jan Lammers explained, “We could do with more space to just allow for a bit more safety and also for the pit stops, so there’s just more working space. In view of that, we will have an extension of the pit garages and pit lane next year, so towards the Tarzan corner, Turn 1, we will have an extension of six boxes.”

The main challenge is that the area allocated for the new garages crosses the entrance to a pedestrian tunnel under the main straight, which will need to be re-routed and extended. Lammers added, “We can just design the tunnel in a different way. We can still maximize that space, that should work.”

He emphasized that the circuit plans to continue upgrading its facilities in the coming years, with more improvements and adaptations in the pipeline.