The 2024 Dutch GP, held at the renowned Zandvoort circuit, is a celebration for Dutch F1 fans. Since 2021, the CM.com Circuit Zandvoort has been welcoming Formula 1 back. The return of the Dutch GP, formerly known as the Grand Prix of the Netherlands, has proven to be a resounding success. Unfortunately, in 2024 it was announced Zandvoort will not return on the F1 calendar after 2026.

Zandvoort Circuit: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

The dune circuit of Zandvoort has undergone significant renovations in anticipation of Formula 1’s return, with the famous Tarzan curve and the new Hugenholtz and Luyendyk bends as its crowning glories. The name Hugenholtz is not chosen randomly, as Hans Hugenholtz, despite the substantial makeover that Jarno Zaffelli has given the Dutch circuit, is still considered the original designer of the track. Zaffelli’s goal was always to preserve the original character of the circuit, including the gravel traps.

Orange Celebrations in Zandvoort

The return of the Dutch GP to Circuit Zandvoort is largely thanks to owner Prince Bernhard Junior and his associates, but most notably to Max Verstappen. The multiple world champion from Red Bull Racing has put Formula 1 back on the map in the Netherlands, and the Netherlands in Formula 1. The orange grandstands at Spa-Francorchamps, the Red Bull Ring, and Barcelona suggest that a Dutch Grand Prix would be a grand orange celebration, a sentiment shared by Formula 1 owner Liberty Media. ‘Zandvoort’ has a contract with FOM until 2026.

Since the return of the Dutch GP, Max Verstappen has already made his fans cheer for a victory many times. However, he is not the record holder. Jim Clark won the Grand Prix in Zandvoort four times, and Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda three times each. Lauda was the last to do so in 1985 before Formula 1 left Zandvoort for a long time due to financial problems and an outdated track. In the intervening years, Zandvoort mainly relied on the Formula 3 Masters, DTM, and occasionally a Formula 1 demo.

Reflecting on the Grand Prix at Zandvoort: A Mix of Triumph and Tragedy

Despite the euphoria surrounding Zandvoort, the circuit, which first appeared on the calendar in 1952, has a history that hasn’t always been glittering. This includes the tragic deaths of Roger Williamson and Piers Courage. However, there are also fond memories, such as the three-wheeled race by Ferrari hero Gilles Villeneuve, James Hunt’s first victory in 1975, or the dune battle between Lauda and Alain Prost a decade later. Now that Zandvoort is once again part of the Formula 1 season and the Netherlands has a front-runner in Max Verstappen, new memorable moments can be created.