Zandvoort: A Corner-by-Corner Guide to the Dutch Rollercoaster

As Formula 1® is in the peak of the summer break with the two McLarens leading the way and Max Verstappen's home grand prix next, after the break, we will find ourselves heading to one of the most unique and challenging circuits on the calendar: Circuit Zandvoort.

Nestled in the dunes of the Dutch coast, this track, home to the Dutch Grand Prix, is a thrilling rollercoaster of high-speed curves and dramatic elevation changes.

The circuit, first opened in 1948, has a rich history that has been lovingly modernised for F1®'s return in 2021.

Its layout, which snakes through the sand dunes, creates a truly "old-school" feel that drivers love. It’s a circuit that demands maximum aerodynamic grip, exceptional courage, and perfect rhythm from its drivers.

Sector 1: The Iconic Start and Banking

• Turn 1 (Tarzanbocht): The lap begins with a flat-out blast down the start/finish straight, a primary DRS zone. This leads into the legendary Tarzanbocht, a 180-degree right-hander and the circuit’s most famous corner.

• Turn 2 (Gerlachbocht): Following the Tarzanbocht, this is a fast, flowing right-hander. It’s a partly blind corner that demands bravery and commitment to carry speed onto the next straight.

• Turn 3 (Hugenholtzbocht): This is one of Zandvoort’s most unique features. A wide, steeply banked right-hander (up to 19 degrees of banking!) that allows cars to carry incredible pace.

Sector 2: Through the Sand Dunes

• Turn 4: A short straight that leads into a quick right-hand kink.

• Turn 5 (Hunserug): This fast, uphill right-hander is all about maintaining momentum and a clean line. It’s the start of the "dune rollercoaster," with elevation changes becoming a key feature.

• Turn 6 (Slotemakerbocht): A high-speed right-hander that, after the Hunserug, requires bravery and a clean line. The primary focus here is on the exit, which leads almost blind into the next section.

• Turn 7 (Scheivlak): This is one of the most beautiful corners in the world. A fast, downhill left-hander that is also slightly off-camber, demanding perfect balance and a delicate touch on the throttle. The car is incredibly light over the crest, making it an actual test of a driver's feel and control.
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• Turns 8, 9, 10 (Chicane): A series of quick turns that require smooth inputs and perfect precision to carry speed through to the next straight. This section is a technical maze that rewards a well-sorted chassis.

• Turns 11 & 12 (Hans Ernst): This is a flowing right-left combination that is often taken at high speed. It's all about carrying momentum and setting the car up for the final charge.

Sector 3: The Final Challenge and Steep Banking

• Turn 13 (Arie Luyendijkbocht): This is the circuit’s second major banked corner, with a staggering 18-degree incline. It allows drivers to go flat out and carry immense speed onto the main straight. This banking effectively turns the final corner into an extension of the straight, creating another DRS zone and a prime overtaking opportunity into Turn 1.

• Turn 14: The final corner, another banked right-hander that slingshots the cars onto the start-finish straight. A firm exit here is absolutely vital for a good lap time and for defending or attacking into the first turn.

The Zandvoort Challenge: A Rollercoaster of a Ride

Zandvoort is a rigorous test of a Formula 1® car’s entire package. Its undulating terrain, high-speed banking, and unforgiving sand dunes create a rollercoaster-like feel to the lap.

This unique combination of raw speed, technical precision, and historical significance makes the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort a captivating event on the Formula 1® calendar.

And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!