After a disastrous Belgian Grand Prix, in which it was not possible to “race” more than even 3 laps due to weather conditions, the highest category of motorsport travels to the Dutch country, specifically to the Zandvoort circuit, where it will take place the Netherlands Grand Prix, also known as the Dutch Grand Prix. In this circuit we will explain all the details and important information that you should know about the circuit that will witness an exciting race.

The Zandvoort Circuit is located very close to Haarlem and about 15 kilometres away from the country's capital, Amsterdam. The route has a total of 14 turns, 10 of them are to the right, the other 4 are to the left. The history of this circuit dates back to a few years after the Second World War, specifically 1948, however, this was not initially intended to be a racing circuit only, but rather it was planned that some turns and roads of the circuit were public streets. Once the plans were beginning to take shape, the “Dutch Automobile Racing Club” managed to get the opinion of the track from the winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1927, Sammy Davis.

Its history with the category dates back to 1952, the year when the cars of that time arrived on the circuit. In his first race, Alberto Ascari emerged as the winner, being a resounding victory for Ferrari with a fabulous 1-2-3. The following years, until 1985, Formula 1 raced on this track in a very intermittent manner, until in that year it was decided not to continue his contract. In 2019 it had been announced that 2020 would be the year in which the highest category decided to return to the Netherlands in this circuit, however, the Covid-19 pandemic caused its return to be delayed for a year, until this weekend.

We're officially back in Zandvoort! The hype is real...

Wonder who the inspiration for a speed limit of 33 came from? 🤔#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 @f1_dutchgp pic.twitter.com/F7TaDXEjCT

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 1, 2021

Racing on the Zandvoort circuit is like going on a roller coaster, this due to the changes in altitude that occur during a lap. The Dutch circuit is categorized as one of the most challenging for any driver taking a lap, including all 20 in Formula 1. With credits to Albert Fabrega, this is a small summary of what Zandvoort has to offer. The first corner is undoubtedly the most recognized on the track, as well as having the name "Tarzan". In this turn, the cars reach 315 kilometres per hour and it is possibly the highest point of overtaking, it is a banked turn with about 8 degrees. Turn two is a blind turn since you cannot see what is ahead until you reach Turn 3. Hugenholtz Turn (Turn 3) is also well known for its very high 18-degree banking, one of the points where there are usually many mistakes on the part of the drivers. Later there is the sequence of turns 4, 5 and 6 where there is a change of asphalt until the end, in addition to that there are many changes in altitude in this part of the circuit. The sequence of turns 8 and 9 is double right, and a concrete banana can be seen in the interior curve, which will be a precaution so that the drivers do not touch it. The second DRS zone is featured here and the braking to Turn 11 is a great overtaking opportunity. Finally, turn 14 is Luyendyk, another of the most famous points of the circuit, this because this curve has a banking of 18 degrees, the turn is quite steep and a good exit from here is key to having good speed on the main straight.

As we can read, it is a fairly fast circuit, but at the same time, complicated and challenging. A bad exit or entry to a curve -especially a banked one- will be key to having a good or bad lap and, consequently, winning or losing positions in the race. We can't wait to see what the Dutch Grand Prix brings us and the famous orange army that will be supporting Max Verstappen.