For the fourth time in a row, an unprecedentedly busy timetable was used, with a train every five minutes in each direction. This special measure ensured that as many as 136.000 fans could travel safely and efficiently to the circuit and return home afterwards. Despite the experience that has now been built up, organizing this transport operation remains a challenge every year.

Marieke Schöningh, COO of PRORAIL, gave a look behind the scenes of this large-scale logistics event. “For the fourth year in a row we delivered a top performance during the Formula 1 weekend,” said Schöningh. “This was my first time experiencing it up close, and I have to say it's really impressive to see what's involved. No fewer than eleven different ProRail departments are involved in realizing this operation. And I haven't even mentioned the many colleagues from the NS. Preparations start months in advance, and collaboration is crucial to ensure everything runs smoothly. I am extremely proud of everyone who contributed to this.”

Although the organization was tightly organised, this year once again showed that even the smallest disruptions can have a major effect. On Saturday afternoon, the strong wind and rain caused an unexpected situation when a blown away poncho ended up in the overhead wires. “Luckily the poncho blew out again quickly,” says Schöningh. “But moments like this show that you can never be fully prepared for everything. It's the small, unpredictable things that can sometimes have the most impact.”