Zandvoort denies flood damage ahead of Dutch GP

Dutch Grand Prix officials have pushed back against reports that the Zandvoort circuit sustained damage following heavy flooding earlier this week.

Torrential rain hit the seaside town on Monday, with water levels reaching up to 50 centimetres in parts of the municipality.

Photos quickly circulated online showing water pooling near the banked final corner and flooding around access roads, fuelling speculation that the circuit’s readiness for the August race could be compromised, but circuit management has now issued a firm denial.

“Yesterday’s heavy rain sparked some fake news about damage to the circuit,” the track said in a statement on Tuesday. “Early this morning our team inspected the entire layout.

"While some sand and water had accumulated on parts of the track, it was promptly removed. The surface is dry, clean, and 100 percent race-ready.”

The statement also confirmed that the F1 Academy program has proceeded without disruption.

“In fact, since this morning the F1 Academy has been out on track for their scheduled practice sessions without any issues. All sessions are running exactly as planned. See you at the circuit!”

Earlier, Dutch and German media - including TZ - reported that the town had opened an emergency water reservoir located at the circuit to prevent flooding in Zandvoort’s city centre.

“The water reservoir in the centre is full,” a local spokesperson explained. “Therefore, the emergency reservoir at the racetrack was opened to absorb additional water.”

Though reports suggested the gravel bed at the final corner had been affected, the circuit maintains any impact was minor and quickly addressed.

Zandvoort remains scheduled to host the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of August. The event is currently set to drop off the F1 calendar after 2026.