A track that holds a special place in the F1 archives returned for the fans after 36 years of absence. Throughout its history, from the Second World War to the Cold War, the track served its purpose as a public road and is now used as a racing track for Formula One. This track is located in the coastal town of Zandvoort, North Holland, now known as the Netherlands. The track is Zandvoort, which was once on hiatus for the Dutch GP over three decades. Let us delve with a lap through time to the Dutch Grand Prix with its carving history, marvelous records, and astonishing facts that made its iconic return on the F1 calendar.
History of the Dutch Grand Prix: Zandvoort
Sammy Davis, Bentley Boys (Pic credit: CN)
For F1 fans, this track is nothing new to them, as the first annual FIA Formula 1 racing event was held at Zandvroot from 1950 to 1985. Being a street circuit, the track served its purpose as a public road for the German troops during the Second World War. The road was later connected to other linked roads for accessing defense configurations. Later on, when the war was over, the interlinked roads were carved out and designed as a racing track for the European races.
According to the advisory of the Royal Dutch Motorcycle Association and Bentley Boy Sammy Davis, the first motor racing event was organized at Zandvoort in 1950. In 1952, it was the first time that Zandvoort Track was considered to host the third edition of the F1 championship races. This championship edition race was won by none other than Alberto Ascari, who later won it in 1953. Due to a lack of business investment and funds, the authorities were unable to organize the event in 1954. During the Mercedes and Fangio dominance, the race was back at the Dutch Grand Prix but shut down again in the late 1970s and 1980s.
Ascari in 1950, Zandavoort
The last Dutch Grand Prix was held in 1985, and since then, it has been on hiatus for decades. But, with the metamorphic rise of Dutch driver Max Verstappen, the track came into the limelight and confirmed its return in 2019. Various changes were made to the track during its absence from the F1 calendar. After 36 years, F1 returned to the Dutch Grand Prix in August 2021, with Verstappen becoming the first racer to win both the home race and the world championship.
Stats Of The Dutch Grand Prix
Pic credit: Motor Authority
Although the track was opened in 1948, the actual race took place in 1950. The Dutch Grand Prix has successfully organized 33 racing events since its F1 debut in 1952 until 1985. The second shift of this marvelous track was returned after 36 years, making it one of the only tracks with the longest gap between the two races. With its 33 previous racing events, the track saw 20 different race winners during its debut. Let us look at some of the stats made at the Circuit Zandvoort.
Circuit Name | Circuit Zandvoort |
Circuit Length | 4.259 KM |
Race Distance | 305.587 KM |
No. Of Laps | 72 |
First Grand Prix | 1948 |
Last Grand Prix | 2023 |
No. Of Turns | 14 |
DRZ Activation Zones | 2 |
The summer break has ended, and the annals of F1 are returning to the Dutch landmark at Zandvoort. A tight corner and a huge banking difference can make the race entertaining for F1 fans. Some famous corners of this track are as follows:
Tarzan Corner is the most iconic corner of the track and is known for its high-speed curve and overtaking opportunities.
Hugenholtz Bocht is a banked corner, which is considered the most challenging part of the racing track. With its steep, sharp turn and incline apex, it is difficult for drivers to keep pace during the race.
Scheivlak is one of the few areas of the track that changes its elevation before the active DRS zones.
Records made at the Dutch Grand Prix: Zandvoort
Pic credit: Red Bull F1
Max Verstappen's rise to dominance made the Dutch Grand Prix special, as he is the only Dutch driver to win the home race and championship title in the same year. His winning progression led to wins at Zandvoort in 2022 and 2023, respectively. His success has fueled the Dutch fans with unprecedented enthusiasm for the realm of Formula 1. Let’s take a look at some of the few records made by various drivers at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Most Wins | Jim Clark won 4 (1963–65, 1967). |
Most Pole Positions | Rene Arnoux |
Fastest Lap Record | 1:11:097, Lewis Hamilton (2021) |
Most Podiums | Jim Clark (6), Niki Lauda (6). |
Most wins by F1 constructor | Ferrari (9) |
What’s your special moment from the iconic Dutch Grand Prix? Will Max Verstappen equal the Grand Prix wins in the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix? Tell us in the comments below. For more interesting blogs on F1, please subscribe to us for more such updates.
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