Zandvoort (SPA-ENG)

Zandvoort

It's become a habit for me to review the layout, history, and other notable features of the circuits where F1 will host its next race; therefore, this track in the Netherlands couldn't be missed.

Construction on the original layout was completed in mid-1948, using a route built during World War II. The architect in charge of the project was John Hugenholtz. It wasn't until 1952 that it became part of the annual Formula One calendar, a period that lasted until 1985, when it was canceled due to serious economic and financial difficulties for the operating company.

Its return to the calendar was not announced until 2019, although the pandemic forced its postponement until 2021, when the category's management team placed the Netherlands back on its annual calendar and, of course, on the Zandvoort circuit. The circuit underwent extensive modifications and adaptations to the category's requirements, including: complete resurfacing, curve reconfiguration, run-off area expansion, and new, modern grandstands, track access, and pit lanes.

Throughout its existence, it underwent several modifications, mainly to adapt to safety requirements and spectator comfort. From its inception, its total length remained close to 4,300 meters, although towards the end of the 1980s, those responsible for its maintenance decided to shorten it to 2,526 meters, a process that lasted until the end of 1998, when it was decided to return it to its original length. Currently, the Zandvoort circuit is 4,259 meters long, spread over 14 corners (four left-handers and 10 right-handers) and a single straight, although there are two other high-speed sections with gentle curves. Along the entire track, there are two banked corners (Hugenholtz and Arie Luyendyk), which allowed for increased speed and safety on a technical, complicated, and narrow layout that makes overtaking difficult.

This year, the circuit will maintain two DRS zones, although the new feature is that the second zone begins just past Turn 13 (Kumho). Therefore, upon entering the banked Turn 14 (Arie Luyendyk), the DRS will be active and will remain active throughout the main straight until reaching the circuit's first corner.

The circuit's most famous corner is turn number one, called Tarzanbocht, where overtaking can be attempted on both the inside and outside. Its name doesn't refer to the comic book character but to a resident who donated his garden for the track's construction in exchange for the site being named after him.

Throughout its history, it has had a few fatal accidents that eventually led to various modifications; however, it hasn't had any serious accidents for a long time.

Its proximity to the sea and the strong winds that sometimes occur in the area can cover the track with sand, causing grip problems and adding another layer of complexity to the layout.

Sadly, Zandvoort will put on its final show this Sunday; starting in 2026, it will no longer be part of the calendar for contractual reasons and alleged commercial risks. So, friends, let's enjoy one last time an iconic circuit with a long history in the category.

The last winner is Lando Norris, and judging by the way McLaren has been performing this season, there's a good chance he'll repeat, or that his teammate will win. They clearly have the car to beat. Max Verstappen, the reigning world champion and host of this race, will do everything in his power to turn things around; it won't be an easy task.