After a protracted summer break, during which drivers and the paddock rested in preparation for the ten-race stretch that will take place until December, Formula One is back in action.
That stretch begins with the Dutch Grand Prix, which takes the sport to the seaside town of Zandvoort, about a half-hour train journey from Amsterdam. The grandstands for this race are a sea of orange-clad fans, in contrast to typical grandstands, which have a variety of colors.
Track position is important because passing is not impossible but overtaking opportunities are limited on the narrow Circuit Zandvoort. Banked corners provide drivers space to fight by allowing them to adopt alternate lines.
“Undulating” is a widely-used term to describe the nature of the circuit as the ebbs, flows and banking create a rollercoaster-type feel. The twisty track is hard on the tires, so it’s likely safe to expect a multi-stop race. Precision is required as drivers navigate around the banks and gravel traps, leaving little room for error. And as a beachside town, sand and dirt will drift onto the track throughout the weekend, creating another obstacle for teams.
Key Specs
- Circuit length: 4.259 km (2.646 miles)
- Number of laps: 72
- Race distance: 306.587 km (190.504 miles)
- Lap record: 1:11.097 (Lewis Hamilton, 2021)
- First GP: 1952
Around the sand dunes
With its narrow, winding streets and several banked bends, Circuit Zandvoort exudes an intense, vintage vibe. Given the minimal opportunities for passing and the requirement for focus as drivers traverse less lengthy straights and steep banking (some of which rival those of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway), qualifying is an important session.
Sammy Davis, the winner of the 1927 24 Hours of Le Mans, provided consultation to the Dutch Automobile Racing Club over the initial layout of the track, which consisted of a combination of public roads and a permanent circuit. Zandvoort was a part of the post-war motorsport wave, much like Silverstone in the UK. Although F1 raced at the track occasionally, it became one of the most used circuits from 1952 until 1985. This track has produced victories for drivers like as Juan Manuel Fangio, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, Niki Lauda, and Jackie Stewart. Gilles Villeneuve’s three-wheel lap during the 1979 race is one of the most famous moments.
After a 36-year break from Zandvoort, Formula One returned to the calendar in 2021 (the original schedule was announced for 2020, but the COVID-19 epidemic caused a postponement). Since it was first created, the track has been updated. The second half (added in 1999) was rebuilt, but the first half retains the 1948 layout’s corners.
The turns that define Zandvoort
Turn 1: Tarzan
Zandvoort’s most well-known corner is this one because of its 18-degree banking angle, which rivals that of Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There is a rare opportunity for vehicles to overtake on the wide turn.
Turn 2: Gerlach
The Dutch driver Wim Gerlach, who passed away in an accident during a 1957 sportscar race, is honored with the name of the left corner.
Turn 3: Hugenholtz
Hi there, finance. Through this sweeping curve, drivers basically generate a maximum-speed slingshot by taking as high a line as feasible. They appear to be going to hit the barrier when they stop somewhat slowly.
The initial director of the track, Hans Hugenholtz, is honored by the name of this corner. He created various circuits, including those for Suzuka and a portion of the German Hockenheimring, however he did not create Circuit Zandvoort.
Turn 5: Slotemaker
This section of the track bears the name of another deceased driver. This curve proved fatal for Dutch racer Rob Slotemaker in a 1979 touring car race.
Turns 6 and 7: Scheivlak
This is “the turn where the heroes separate themselves from the regular drivers,” according to the circuit is website. The curve presents a quick challenge because it sits at the top of a hill made of dunes and slopes to the right. Scheivlak’s original shape is still there despite certain adjustments made during the 2020 renovation, such as the addition of new FIA fences to the left.
Turns 11 and 12: Hans Ernst Bocht
As a lap draws to a close, this chicane offers drivers one last chance to pass; they approach it quickly and then brake to complete the sequence.
Nissanbocht was the initial name of the turn, which was introduced in 1989. But in homage of the former circuit director, it was dubbed Hans Ernst Chicane in subsequent years. The chicane’s second section was expanded to accommodate various racing lines.
Final corner: Arie Luyendyk
Fans of IndyCar may recognize this name—two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Arie Luyendyk. At 18 degrees (32%) in Turn 14, the banking is almost twice as steep as in Indianapolis, but it is not quite as strong as in the original Monza layout. After navigating the righthander with speed, drivers enter the long straight (equipped with DRS).
Circuit curiosities
- In 1987, the circuit experienced financial difficulties and declared bankruptcy.
- Thai Royal Prince Birabongse Bhanudej Bhanubandh, also known as Prince Bira of Siam, won the first race at Zandvoort before to the F1 era.
- Max Verstappen has matched Rene Arnoux’s record of three pole positions at Circuit Zandvoort.
- Verstappen is not far behind Jim Clark, who still has the most wins with four, at three.
- With eight victories, Ferrari is the most successful constructor at Circuit Zandvoort.
Design: Drew Jordan/The Athletic
