The Dutch Grand Prix received a big boost to its hopes of returning to the Formula 1 calendar after receiving the green light from Zandvoort's local government.
Liberty Media has already signalled its desire to have a Dutch GP on the calendar to capitalise on the rising popularity of Max Verstappen and identified Zandvoort as the only viable circuit.
Zandvoort councillors voted unanimously to approve a small rise in the tourist tax by 50 cents a night to raise €4 million over four years, which will be invested into improving track access and local roads to cope with the expected traffic created by the race.
According to broadcaster NOS, the town's green political party, GroenLinks, also voted in favour of the race, given the promise to make it as environmentally friendly as possible.
"Zandvoort will live and breath Formula 1," commented alderman Ellen Verheij-de Haas. "This is something big and beautiful which we can be proud of."
There are still hurdles for the circuit to leap if the race is to happen, including financing F1's hosting fee, which the Dutch government has already said it will not contribute to with public money, which means the circuit itself will need to find the necessary backing/sponsorship to fund it.
Liberty Media still needs to pass approval for a 2020 or 2021 event and the FIA will need to inspect the circuit to ensure it's up to Grade 1 status.
The last F1 race held at the circuit was won by Niki Lauda in 1985 and most recently hosted the DTM series, but lost its place on the 2019 calendar.
