This weekend, the Formula 1 circus heads to Zandvoort for the penultimate edition of the Dutch GP. The circuit is unique on the calendar, partly due to the characteristic banked turns that typify the track. In few other places is the asphalt as steeply inclined as in the Dutch dunes. Circuit designer Jarno Zaffelli explains how Zandvoort even served as an inspiration for the Madring, the new street circuit in the Spanish capital.
Before Zandvoort returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, significant modifications had to be made. The asphalt was completely renewed, and the now-famous banked turns were introduced. Jarno Zaffelli and his company Dromo were responsible for these renovations. In a conversation with De Telegraaf, he proudly reflected on the project and explained how Zandvoort inspired the new Madring.
‘Extreme version of Zandvoort’
“I’m not just saying this because I’m speaking with a Dutch person,” the Italian joked. “For us as a company, Zandvoort was truly the highlight. On many circuits, you have to make compromises and often adjust your initial ideas and designs. That was not the case in Zandvoort. There, we mainly had to take into account environmental requirements and the like,” he explained. While the Dutch circuit will host its – for now – last Grand Prix next year, the Madring is making its debut on the calendar. Zaffelli was asked to design the circuit and explains how he envisioned a more extreme version of Zandvoort.
“Yes, we wanted to take an even more extreme approach in Madrid, but unfortunately, that turned out not to be possible,” he revealed. “But it’s clear that Zandvoort has opened our eyes. I think that at some point, it will be possible to design something steeper than what we see in Zandvoort, but that will probably still take a few years.”
