Why this former driver finds the end of the Dutch GP incomprehensible

14:59, 20 Aug

Updated: 15:06, 20 Aug

byLudo van Denderen

When the Formula 1 season resumes after the summer break, the circus will travel to Zandvoort. It will be the penultimate time that Max Verstappen and his colleagues drive at the Dutch Grand Prix before the race is called off.

Alexander Wurz is widely known to the general public as a (former) Formula 1 driver, chairman of the Grand Prix Drivers Association (GPDA) and analyst. Perhaps less well-known is that the Austrian runs a successful company that designs circuits around the world.

Before Wurz and his team start working on a circuit where the Formula 1 might be active, they accurately map out what the costs and ultimately the revenues will be. No one knows better than Wurz how valuable it is for a country or city to host F1.

Wurz does not understand the Dutch government

For the Austrian, it is hard to understand why there is no governmental financial support for the Dutch Grand Prix anymore, as in his eyes, the F1 race makes more money than it costs.

“We do the feasibility studies,” Wurz tells GPblog. “So much money remains in the country, and the country is still a complete net winner each and every F1 Grand Prix.”

Wurz not only thinks about tax revenues, but especially also the benefits to the (local) economy thanks to the renting hotel rooms, eating at restaurants, shopping at supermarkets and much more. “You do your math and consider all the costs and the money that remains here, the host country remains a net winner.”

"But if governments are shy to say ‘I'm helping the promoter’ like in the Netherlands, they don't speak as businessmen in the interest of the country. It's a global platform like you can't imagine. So in my opinion it's almost a no-brainer that the governments should be involved, because you're simply winning."

"You're getting more money into the government and to your nation. And I am not counting the media and PR effect of this global platform, which in itself has an enormous value, but a bit harder to quantify for a nation like the Netherlands."

Alexander Wurz

'Formula 1 provides a constant money flow'

Wurz asserts that it's best to aim for a long-term contract with Formula 1, as it ensures that the business community there benefits structurally. “You have this big turnover weekend over years, that means that local businesses benefit but also invest back into their business, like with better hotel rooms, better service, better infrastructure, etc. Consequently the local economy and business is growing on a measurable and consistent platform."

“And you can calculate and estimate this. And as a company, we do that. But I'm always so surprised that people are just looking at the first headline figures and get scared. No, dear governments, F1 brings you business and showcases your nation to a gigantic follower ship around the world!”