Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Assen Drops Formula 1 Bid and Will Reinvest in MotoGP

Circuit leaders said calendar limits and the millions needed for FIA Grade 1 upgrades made the project unaffordable.

Overview

  • TT Circuit Assen announced on Tuesday that it has ended plans to host a Formula 1 Grand Prix and will not pay the multi‑million euro cost to reach FIA Grade 1 status.
  • Circuit director Mark van Aalderen and chairman Arjan Bos said Formula 1 Chief Race Officer Louise Young told them there was effectively no chance of a race at Assen before 2030.
  • Assen reached that conclusion after talks with Liberty Media and Formula 1 executives, including a February meeting that led organisers to consult Louise Young about calendar prospects.
  • The board said saved funds will be redirected to MotoGP and other core events so the circuit can meet the costs of keeping its established motorcycle race competitive and sustainable.
  • With Circuit Zandvoort confirmed to leave the calendar after the 2026 season, the decision leaves the Netherlands without an immediate replacement venue for Formula 1 and underscores how track upgrades and a full race calendar limit new hosts.