Following the summer break, Formula 1 is back this weekend and the action moves to the Netherlands for the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix.
The Dutch GP track is the Circuit Zandvoort, one of the most old school circuits on the calendar.
Located in the town of the same name, it is found west of Amsterdam.
With a length of just 4.259km, the Dutch GP track is one of the shortest in the sport and it produces a mightily quick lap time, with the record standing at 1:11.097, set by Lewis Hamilton in 2021.
Because of the quick lap times, there will be a full 72 laps on Sunday for the main Dutch Grand Prix race.
What kind of circuit is Zandvoort, the Dutch GP track?
“The Zandvoort track swoops and flows through the sand dunes, creating a rollercoaster-like feel to the lap,” Formula 1 states on their website.
“While the circuit was modernised in time for F1’s most recent return – including increasing the banking angle at the famous Tarzan corner to an Indianapolis Motor Speedway-trumping 18 degrees – Zandvoort remains a proper, challenging drivers’ track.”
The Tarzan corner referred to there is a very steep curve, one where a lot of overtaking gets done during any Dutch Grand Prix race.
One other thing to keep in mind about Zandvoort is the fact that it is located next to the beach, so it can be windy and there is often a lot of sand on the tarmac, creating a challenge for the drivers.
Is Zandvoort a high downforce track?
Yes, Zandvoort is a high downforce track. In fact, it is the It is the third-top track in terms of downforce sensitivity on the F1 calendar, only behind Budapest’s Hungaroring and the Monaco street circuit.
That should play into the hands of the teams that have had the best downforce or that can adjust their setup accordingly.