Dutch Gp is back in Zandvoort for Round 15 of the Formula One World Championship. “Really Quick”, “Pretty Insane” and Crazy are the words associated with the old track. This section looks into the circuit it’s built and the Orange Army’s expectations.
Dutch Gp History
Zandvoort is not only known for its legendary races and fantastic atmosphere. The Dutch Gp track is also famous for its unique location. Only a stone’s throw away from the beach and with a beautiful asphalt ribbon in the dunes.
At a length of 4.3 kilometers, it ranks among the shorter circuits on the F1 calendar: hardly anywhere else, drivers zoom past the race fans that often! Here, you won’t find seemingly endless asphalt-covered run-areas, only merciless gravel beds. Drivers pay the price for even the tiniest mistake made on the track. The highly challenging circuit features 14 corners and will be fully upgraded to meet the highest standard whilst maintaining its unique character.
The link between Zandvoort and Dutch Gp is taking us back to the late 1930s when motorsport aficionados decided to organize a competition in Zandvoort. The race in 1939 was held on a temporary street circuit. After its huge success, it was decided to build a permanent facility. The first race at that circuit was held on 7 August 1949. From 1952 onwards, Zandvoort had its slot on the Formula 1 calendar.
Suggested: Watch the Circuit Building Documentary
In the 1970s, modifications were made to the track and new safety features were implemented. The last Formula 1 Grand Prix to date was held in 1985. The construction of a new holiday resort resulted in the circuit being shortened to an interim layout in 1988. In 1999, the track was extended to a full GP length of 4.3 kilometers. For the 2021 Dutch Gp, the circuit will be adapted at some points, but its unique character will remain unaffected says the constructor.
The list of Formula 1 heroes to have raced at Zandvoort is long. The most famous winners from the track’s history probably are Stirling Moss, Graham Hill, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, James Hunt, and Niki Lauda. They all mastered the track’s fast and difficult corners.
One of the most legendary races took place in 1985 when Niki Lauda had to start from tenth on the grid, but worked his way up to claim victory. With Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, two further motorsport legends joined him on the podium. For Niki Lauda, victory at Zandvoort also proved to be his final career win.
Many drivers from the ranks of the Formula 1 grid have already had success in Formula 3 at Zandvoort. For instance, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, and Max Verstappen know what winning at Zandvoort is like.
Orange Army Expectations
Max Verstappen is the clear favorite going into the Dutch Gp, There will be a sea of orange for the Red Bull. The Expectations are for Rebull to get a Double podium here after the Belgian Gp.
Every eye will be on Charles and Sainz, with each media framing the same questions in a different way to get an answer. Will Ferrari screw up again in this Dutch Gp? Having a car is one thing winning with Ferrari is a completely different thing so let’s see if Ferrari has a clean weekend this time out.
Weather in Dutch Gp
Saturday will see slightly cooler conditions, but the Mercury is still tipped to rise to 24 degrees. With scattered showers around the country, there is a 50 percent chance of rain at Zandvoort during the day’s action.
Just like last year’s race, Sunday’s 72-lap Dutch Grand Prix should be run in dry conditions, but there remains a lingering threat of rain due to the cloud cover around the Zandvoort circuit.
Overall, the three days of the Grand Prix weekend look set to be run in very pleasant conditions, in temperatures well above normal for this time of year, which usually average around 20 degrees.
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