Circuit Zandvoort

Circuit Zandvoort is a racing venue that hosts one of the Formula One World Championship races - the Dutch Grand Prix.

Circuit Zandvoort, also known as CM.com Circuit Zandvoort, previously known as Circuit Park Zandvoort, is situated in the dunes north of Zandvoort, the Netherlands, near the North Sea. It has an FIA Grade 1 license, which means that the circuit meets the highest standard of safety, infrastructure, layout, and other facilities.

The circuit was constructed in 1948 and back then it utilized communication roads built by the occupying German Army during World War 2. The circuit became a regular part of the Formula One calendar from the 1950s to 1985.

The Dutch Grand Prix had a long pause since 1985, but in 2020, it was scheduled to make its return after 25 years of absence. However, the COVID-19 pandemic made it hard to organize this event in 2020, so it was postponed, and in 2021, the Dutch Grand Prix and Circuit Zandvoort finally returned to the Formula 1 calendar.

The circuit is known for its fast, sweeping, and banked corners. The last turn (number 14) has a banking of 18 degrees. The track also contains many short and fast elevation changes where drivers go up and down.

The combination of elevation changes, with the narrow nature of the track as well as both fast sweeping and banked corners, make this track feel like a rollercoaster for the drivers.  The circuit is also popular because conditions change every second.

The track itself is only a few hundred meters away from the North Sea. Being located so close to the sea, the weather conditions change quickly. The circuit often experiences gusty wind that changes directions and torrential rains.

All the circumstances make the Dutch Grand Prix very challenging for both drivers and their teams; however, Formula One fans watching the race from home benefit as the dynamics of the race often change, which makes it more captivating and keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.