Formula 1 returns to the track with one of the most complicated challenges on the calendar: Zandvoort. The Dutch Grand Prix takes place on the classic circuit near the North Sea, which was renovated in recent years to once again host the top-tier motorsport competition, making its return in 2021 after a 36-year hiatus.
The key characteristics have been preserved, starting with the winding nature of the track (14 corners: four left and ten right over 4.259 kilometers) and the narrow width of the track. However, it’s the two banked corners (Turn 3 and Turn 14, with inclines of 19 and 18 degrees, respectively, steeper than Indianapolis, for reference) that make this track truly unique on the current calendar.
The banked corners pose a rather unusual challenge in Formula 1, both for the drivers and the cars. The same applies to the tires, as the higher speed through the banked corners compared to flat ones exerts even greater forces. It is no coincidence that the three hardest dry compounds in the 2024 range have been selected for Zandvoort, the same ones that have been used since the introduction of 18” tires: the C1 as P Zero White hard, the C2 as P Zero Yellow medium, and the C3 as P Zero Red soft.
Thermal degradation is theoretically a significant factor, but much will depend on the weather conditions at the end of August. The Netherlands borders Belgium, and as we saw before the break, weather conditions can change from one day to the next, and even within the same day, making the concept of summer as the season of heat and sunshine quite relative.
Average temperatures in Zandvoort in late August range between 14°C and 20°C, which could help drivers manage even the softer compounds, as evidenced by the 50 laps completed by Tsunoda on the Soft tires in last year’s race. Another variable is the circuit’s proximity to the sea, separated only by a dune and a road, with the wind often blowing sand onto the asphalt, potentially limiting the grip offered to the tires.
Last year’s race was marked by highly changeable weather conditions, so much so that all five available tire types were used. The most used slick was the Soft, chosen by 19 out of 20 drivers at the start (Hamilton being the only exception with Medium). Rain began to fall right after the start, making the Cinturato Intermediates the star of the show, and they were brought back into use in the final part, after a long stint on slicks in between. Three drivers – the two Red Bulls and Esteban Ocon – even tried out the Cinturato Wets. The race saw a high number of overtakes and set a record for pit stops (82).
In stable conditions, pre-race simulations suggest that a one-stop strategy is theoretically the fastest, also preferred because overtaking is rare on this narrow track with few straights and limited overtaking opportunities. If it’s hot, the harder compounds should be favored; otherwise, the Soft could also come into play during the race.
The Zandvoort circuit has hosted all 33 editions of the Dutch Grand Prix valid for the Formula 1 World Championship, the first being in 1952. The driver with the most wins is Jim Clark, with four victories. Local hero Max Verstappen, who has won every race since Formula 1 returned to the Netherlands, has the chance to equal the Scotsman. In Saturday’s qualifying, the Red Bull driver could become the record holder for pole positions, as he currently shares the record (3) with René Arnoux. There’s also a tie in the podium finishes rankings, led by Jim Clark and Niki Lauda (6 each). Among teams, Ferrari holds the record for most victories (8) and podium finishes (25), while Lotus has the most pole positions (8).
Minimum starting pressures (slick tires)
Front: 25.0 psi
Rear: 22.5 psi
Maximum camber
Front: -3.00°
Rear: -1.75°
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