Formula 1 is back, and this time the action heads to one of the trickiest tracks on the calendar: the Zandvoort circuit in the Netherlands. Nestled in the sand dunes along the North Sea, this classic circuit returned to the Formula 1 scene in 2021 after a 36-year absence, and it hasn’t lost any of its original charm—or its challenges.
Zandvoort’s layout is a twisty 4.259-kilometer track that features 14 corners, with four to the left and ten to the right. But what really sets this track apart are its banked turns at corners 3 and 14. These aren’t your typical F1 corners—they come with a steep gradient of 19 and 18 degrees, respectively, which is even steeper than the famous turns at Indianapolis. Banked corners like these are a rare sight in Formula 1, and they bring a unique set of challenges for both the drivers and their cars.
Strategic Considerations and Historical Context
One of the biggest challenges at Zandvoort is managing the tyres. The high speeds through the banked turns put extra strain on the tyres, so the hardest compounds in the 2024 range have been chosen for this race. The C1 (P Zero White hard), C2 (P Zero Yellow medium), and C3 (P Zero Red soft) will be the tyres of choice. While thermal degradation is expected to be significant, a lot will depend on the weather, which in late August can be unpredictable. The average temperatures in Zandvoort range from 14 °C to 20 °C, which could make the softer tyres more viable, as we saw last year when Yuki Tsunoda managed 50 laps on the Soft compound.
Weather Challenges and Strategy
The proximity of the circuit to the sea adds another layer of unpredictability. Winds often blow sand onto the track, reducing grip and adding to the drivers’ challenges. Last year’s race saw constantly changing conditions, with all five types of available tyres being used throughout the race. The Soft tyre was the most popular choice at the start, but rain soon made the Cinturato Intermediate necessary. In the final stages, the Intermediate was used again, and some drivers even tried out the Cinturato Wet tyre. The result? A record 82 pit stops and plenty of overtaking, despite the track’s narrow layout and limited passing opportunities.
On paper, a one-stop strategy seems the quickest, especially in dry conditions where overtaking is tough. But if the weather turns hot, the harder compounds may become the go-to option. Cooler temperatures, on the other hand, could see the Soft tyre come into play more effectively.
Historical Significance and Records
Zandvoort has a rich history in Formula 1, having hosted all 33 editions of the Dutch Grand Prix since 1952. Jim Clark, the legendary Scottish driver, holds the record with four wins here, a feat that Max Verstappen could match this year. Verstappen has dominated since the return of the Dutch Grand Prix, winning all three races so far. He’s also in the running to break the pole position record at Zandvoort, currently held by René Arnoux with three poles. Jim Clark and Niki Lauda share the record for the most podium finishes at this track, each with six to their name.
Among the teams, Ferrari leads the pack with eight wins and 25 podium finishes at Zandvoort. Lotus holds the record for the most pole positions, also with eight. With such a rich history and a unique set of challenges, the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is sure to be a race to watch.
