Circuit Zandvoort

Track Info

Location	Zandvoort, North Holland, Netherlands
Type	Permanent Road Course
Length	4.259 km (2.646 miles)
Turns	14
Capacity	~105,000
Opened	1948 (returned to F1 in 2021 after major renovation)

Track Characteristics

Circuit Zandvoort is a classic European racing venue set in the sand dunes along the North Sea coast. The track hosted its first F1 race in 1952 and remained on the calendar until 1985 before returning in 2021 following a major renovation. The redesigned circuit features two banked corners - most notably the final turn, which is banked at 18 degrees, creating a unique challenge and a dramatic visual as cars sweep through the high-speed bowl onto the start-finish straight.

The circuit is narrow and flowing, with elevation changes that follow the natural contours of the dune landscape. Turn 3 (Hugenholtz) drops downhill into a tight right-hander, while the fast Turns 7 and 8 sequence demands commitment and precision. The banked Turn 13 (Arie Luyendyk corner, banked at 18 degrees) allows multiple racing lines and creates an unusual spectacle as cars can take different approaches depending on their setup and tyre condition.

Overtaking is difficult at Zandvoort due to the narrow track and limited straights, making qualifying and strategy paramount. The atmosphere at the Dutch Grand Prix is extraordinary, with tens of thousands of orange-clad fans creating a wall of noise and color that rivals any sporting event in the world. The beach-town setting adds to the festival atmosphere.

Getting There

Nearest Airport	Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), approximately 30 km southeast of the circuit.
Nearest City	Zandvoort (the circuit is adjacent to the town). Amsterdam is about 30 km east. Haarlem is about 10 km east.

2026 Event Info

Race Name	Dutch Grand Prix
Round	12 of 22
Sprint Weekend	Yes
TV	Apple TV

Track Record

Lap Record	1:11.097
Record Holder	Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes, 2021)

Notable Past Races

• 2023: Max Verstappen won his third consecutive Dutch Grand Prix, extending his record-breaking winning streak to 10 races in a row. The orange smoke and deafening crowd made for an unforgettable atmosphere.
• 2022: Verstappen won from pole, but the race was defined by an intense strategic battle between Red Bull and Mercedes. A late safety car and virtual safety car created opportunities, but Verstappen held firm.
• 2021: The Dutch Grand Prix returned after a 36-year absence. Max Verstappen won from pole in front of his adoring home crowd, the noise from the stands audible even over the engines. The new banked corners were an instant hit.
• 1985: Niki Lauda won the final Dutch Grand Prix before the circuit's 36-year hiatus from F1. The race was also notable as Lauda's penultimate F1 victory before retirement.

Track Facts

• The banked final corner (Turn 13) is angled at 18 degrees, making it the steepest banked turn in modern F1 alongside Turn 3 (also banked at 18 degrees).
• The circuit sits in a protected natural dune area, and the renovation had to meet strict environmental requirements to preserve the surrounding ecosystem.
• Zandvoort is accessible by train, with a station just a short walk from the circuit entrance - making it one of the most public-transport-friendly F1 venues.
• The Dutch Grand Prix atmosphere is considered one of the best in F1, with the orange-clad fans creating a unique party atmosphere throughout the weekend.

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