Circuit Zandvoort overview and history
F1 returns to Zandvoort this weekend, a historic seaside track known for banked corners challenging top drivers. Reigning champ Max Verstappen won here last year. Verstappen seeks to replicate that success on home soil again.
A seaside circuit rich in history
As the summer break draws to a close, the F1 circus travels to Circuit Zandvoort in The Netherlands for what is a highly anticipated Grand Prix weekend.
The circuit, nestled along the windswept shores of the North Sea, stands as a mainstay of motorsport history.
Circuit Zandvoort's history traces back to 1948, when the town of Zandvoort hosted its inaugural street race.
The success of this event fueled the uniambition of creating a dedicated racing circuit. In 1952, Circuit Zandvoort was born.
With the first race thrilling spectators with its dynamic and undulating layout.
The Circuit quickly gained acclaim for its challenging nature and breathtaking coastal backdrop.
While Formula One races had graced the venue in the past, it wasn't until 2021, after a major renovation bringing significant modernization, that Formula One racing triumphantly returned to Circuit Zandvoort.
The evolving nature of circuit Zandvoort
Though the corners have continued to carve through the dunes of Northern Netherlands, Circuit Zandvoort hasn't always looked like it does today.
In preparation for its return to the Formula One calendar in 2021, Circuit Zandvoort underwent extensive renovations.
The upgrades aimed to enhance safety measures, improve infrastructure, and ensure the track's compatibility with modern racing standards.
The track was widened at specific sections to accommodate the faster and wider Formula One cars while preserving the essence of its historic layout.
The challenging layout and banked corners
The circuit is unique for its challenging layout, elevation changes, and most of all, its steep banked corners.
The circuit consists of 14 corners stretching to 4.3 kilometers with an elevation change of 15 meters throughout the track.
What to watch for at the 2022 Dutch GP
The course requires high downforce, with Monaco and Budapest being the only tracks with a higher downforce requirements, which means we'll see some teams excel and others fall to the wayside.
Look out for the Aston Martin of Alonso to be quick around the track, along with the Mercedes, McLaren, and of course, the Red Bull.
Alpine, Alphatauri, and Haas will probably have a tough time, as their cars are more suited to high speed circuits, but in F1, anything is possible.
In 2021, Max Verstappen was victorious in the first race at the venue for over 30 years.
In the heat of his title battle with Lewis Hamilton, Max fought off the Mercedes to keep the lead, while his teammate Sergio Perez overtook 12 cars on his way to a p8 finish from starting in the pit lane.
Hamilton and Bottas filled out the podium, with the former taking the fastest lap.
The race also marked the return of Robert Kubica, who was filling in for the COVID-struck Kimi Raikkonen in the Alfa Romeo team, though Kubica was unable to convert his P16 start to a points finish, only finishing one place ahead of where he started.
Last time out, Verstappen once again started on pole, ahead of the Ferraris of Leclerc and Sainz, with Hamilton and Perez completing the top 5 on the starting grid.
After a late safety car caused by the peculiar retirement of Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen was able to pass Hamilton, who had stayed out on old tires, just meters after the restart, and retook his place at the front of the pack, where he'd stay for the remainder of the race.
Russell followed Verstappen home to claim P2, and Charles Leclerc rounded off the podium in P3. Hamilton, plagued by badly degraded tires, was only able to maintain p4.
Circuit Zandvoort's legacy extends far beyond its asphalt. The track has not only been a site of exhilarating races but has also played a pivotal role in fostering a motorsport culture in the Netherlands.
It has inspired generations of drivers and fans, contributing to the growth of motorsport enthusiasts in the region.
Looking ahead to the current year, racing aficionados are filled with excitement as they anticipate what Circuit Zandvoort has in store.
With its storied history, captivating characteristics, and recent Formula One revival, all eyes are on the track to once again deliver breathtaking moments and unforgettable races.
From the thrilling races that have graced its tarmac to the echoes of engines reverberating through the sand dunes, Circuit Zandvoort continues to captivate the hearts of racing enthusiasts worldwide.
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