Formula 1 returns from the summer break to grace itself by removing the covers and re-opening the factories. From Spa-Francochamps, Round 14 of the 2024 season travels northwest to the heart of Amsterdam. Heading West, it passes Haarlem and finally stops at the coastal town of Zandvoort to host the Dutch Grand Prix.
Heritage and History of the Dutch Grand Prix
As one of the toughest circuits in the sport since it was inaugurated in 1952, the track has gone through significant transformations. In order to meet the evolving requirements of the sport, improve safety and maintain its reputation as one of the most challenging circuits Formula 1.
Zandvoort Circuit Track Evolution
Nestled among the rolling sand dunes of Zandvoort, the Dutch Grand Prix circuit has a history as fascinating as the races it hosts. The origins of this iconic track trace back to the vision of Mayor H. van Alphen. Who saw the potential for motorsport to revitalize his town after a successful street race in 1939. Although World War II temporarily halted these ambitions, Van Alphen’s determination never wavered. Ingeniously, he convinced the occupying German forces to build a road under the pretext of hosting a victory parade. Unbeknownst to them, this road would later become the main straight of the Zandvoort circuit. Sparing locals from being sent to Germany as forced labourers.
When peace returned, the town of Zandvoort began to rebuild, with the new racetrack at the heart of its plans. The Dutch Automobile Racing Club assembled a team to design a course that would weave through the dunes, blending the parade route with existing trails. Former ‘Bentley Boy’ Sammy Davis was brought in to consult on the layout. Creating a track that was modern for its time—twisty and challenging, yet fast enough to thrill. While John Hugenholtz Sr. would later become synonymous with Zandvoort as its circuit director. It was Davis who played a crucial role in its initial design.
By August 1948, the circuit was ready for its inaugural race, with the 2.6 mile circuit complete with state-of-the-art pit facilities. Along with a grandstand, and a smooth asphalt surface. The Zandvoort circuit quickly became a beloved venue, known for its unique blend of natural beauty and technical challenges.
1948 – 1972
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From 1948 to 1972 featured a blend of challenging turns such as, TarzanBocht, Gerlachbocht and high speed corners that make up the final part of the lap; Tunnel Oost, Bos In and Bos Uit. But as we’ve mentioned it wasn’t until 1952 when Alberto Ascari crossed the finished line. 40 seconds ahead of his teammate Nino Farina, to win the maiden Dutch Grand Prix in Formula 1.
In the realm of Formula 1, the thirst for speed and reducing drag has always become synonymous. Pushing the boundaries of what Formula 1 cars can achieve on track. However, in the 1970s, speeds grew ever higher and many tragic fatalities diminished the circuit’s reputation and prompted calls for change. During the fast Tunnel Oost kink, Piers Courage in 1970 and Roger Williamson in 1973 lost their lives in an extremely violent crash. With Williamson’s cars overturned and the emergency services including the fire department struggling to tackle due to poor fire procedures.
The circuit authorities would have to comply with the requirement if Formula 1 was to return. And they did. Re-establishing ‘Panoramabocht’ as a S-bend on the fast Bos In corner.
However, it was not until 1979 that additional safety measures were made necessary. That includes the installation of a new chicane at the Hondenvlak esses. As a result of the chicane, the Hondenvlak esses were no longer in existence by the following year in 1980. And was replaced by a new S section named after the Marlboro cigarette being called ‘Malborobocht’.
What Happened to Zandvoort in 1986?
Furthermore, Formula 1 would be hosted for until 1985 due to financial concerns and lack of government support to keep Zandvoort a sustainable attraction to the motorsport industry. And in 1986 Formula 1 would not see a return to the coast town and would have to wait until a major announcement was addressed in 2019 that Formula 1 would return in 2020.
Unfortunately Zandvoort’s return would made premature due to the global pandemic which set the official return to the Netherlands to 2021. A track now that we know undergone severe changes, creating more technical and strategical challenges.
Track Layout
The Zandvoort circuit is one of the shortest timed laps for drivers navigate in just 4.259 kilometres, consisting of 14 turns. Four to the left and 10 to the right. And with 306 kilometres of tackling Zandvoort’s Formula 1 rollercoaster, the drivers will race around this clockwise circuit for 72 short laps.
For short circuit the fans do have the best seats in the house for overtaking, as Zandvoort possess two DRS Zones, the first is past Turn 10, a small left handed staright heading down towards Turn 11. And the second past Turn 13 heading towards the final banked corner of Turn 14.
Iconic Features
Hugenholtzbocht (Turn 3) and Arie Luyendykbocht (Turn 14) are just two layers that add to the authenticity of the Zandvoort circuit. These two corners are unique in their design due to them designed as banked turns.
For Turn 3, this 19 degree corner is particularly challenging due to its tight radius combined with the banking, which allows drivers to carry more speed through the turn. A corner that could potentially make or break your lap depending on which line you choose to enter Turn 3.
Whereas, Turn 14 a banking angle of 18 degrees, allows Formula 1 cars to approach the main straight at higher speeds, enhancing overtaking opportunities into the first corner.
Memorable Races at the Dutch Grand Prix
If you are feeling historical, date your mind back to the 1952 at the inaugural Dutch Grand Prix where Italian and Ferrari driver Alberto Ascari dominated the 90 lap race to take claim the top step of the podium and creating a Ferrari 1-2-3 finish.
Feeling more dominant? How about the 1960s and traverse into the dominance of Jim Clark who took not one, not two, not three but four victories in the Netherlands. 1963, 1964, 1965 and 1967.
Or feeling the need to match a Dutch Grand Prix with a Dutch Driver? Then Max Verstappen comes to mind. When Formula 1 returned to the coastal city in 2021, Max Verstappen has proven himself the king of Zandvoort winning in 2021, 2022 and 2023.
His most notable is holding off the charge of the Silver Arrows in 2021 when the fight between Hamilton and Verstappen was reaching its lateral stages of the championship. A fight that Verstappen hold off the might of the seven-time world champion and while Valtteri struggled to obey team order:
“Valtteri, it’s James, please abort the fastest lap attempt before the end of the lap.”
But goes fastest with a 1:12.549.
The crucial point Hamilton would need to keep his title aspirations alive. Who stopped one lap later for a set of soft tyres.
Taking the point for the fastest lap with a 1:11.097.
Live Timings for the Dutch Grand Prix Weekend
Friday (23rd August)
11:00 am – Dutch Grand Prix Practice One – (Session begins at 11:30 am)
2:45 pm – Dutch Grand Prix Practice Two – (Session begins at 3:00 pm)
Saturday (24th August)
10:15 am – Dutch Grand Prix Practice Three – (Session begins at 10:30 am)
1:15 pm – Dutch Grand Prix Qualifying – (Session begins at 2:00 pm)
Sunday (25th August)
12:30 pm – Dutch Grand Prix – (Session begins at 2:00 pm)
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “Just 42 Points! Can McLaren Win the World Championship?” or “Kick Sauber: One Seat Left at the Green Team”
Image Credit: Red Bull Content Pool
