Zandvoort will host its final F1 Dutch Grand Prix this weekend. After rejoining the calendar in 2021, the seaside circuit will say goodbye after the 2024 season. Before the chequered flag flies for the last time, our writers look back on their most memorable moments from Zandvoort—from the racing action to the vibrant orange crowds.
F1's First Non-Stop Nightclub
For me, the 2021 edition remains the most memorable Zandvoort experience. Nobody thought a return to the Dutch dunes would be possible after the pinnacle of motorsport left the Netherlands following the 1985 race. That made it almost surreal to see the F1 circus descend on Circuit Zandvoort once again.
On top of that, COVID restrictions were still in place at the time, making the Dutch Grand Prix one of the first major sporting events in the country after a period of little scope for such scale. And last but not least: it was 2021, the year of one of the most intense title fights in F1 history.
On that particular Sunday in August, all those ingredients came together, especially on the grid. After the national anthem had been played and the drivers walked back to their cars, you could feel the tension building. And what best summed up the four-day festival that is the Dutch GP? The moment Max Verstappen put on his helmet, the DJ decided to blast 'Super Max' through the speakers once again—probably for the 50th time that day.
Add to that the fact that overtaking had proved difficult with the 2021 cars, meaning everything hinged on the start, while the entire orange army had turned up for just one man. The pressure on Verstappen's shoulders was immense. To the delight of the promoters, the Dutchman managed to withstand all that pressure and give the event its dream winner.
When then-Red Bull team principal Christian Horner left the track on Sunday evening, he aptly summed up the weekend: "It's like I've been in a nightclub non-stop for four days." With the finish line now in sight, that 2021 edition remains by far the most memorable one.
The Surprising Seaside Sojourn
I recall being very surprised by the news that Zandvoort was set to join the F1 calendar. Although a Dutch Grand Prix had been rumoured for some time, as the Verstappen effect set hearts in the Netherlands aflutter, Zandvoort had been off the calendar since the end of 1985 and felt too... let's say, out of alignment with the championship's vision for no-expense-spared circuits. Yet, once there, its seaside charm was captivating. The relaxed atmosphere in the paddock, the roar of the cars blending with the sound of the waves, and the friendliness of the fans made Zandvoort feel different from any other modern circuit.
The 2022 race also provided unforgettable drama. Verstappen, starting from pole, had to fend off an attack from Lewis Hamilton at the tight first corner. Throughout the race, both exchanged positions, and Red Bull's bold strategy calls allowed Verstappen to win by a narrow margin. It was a perfect example of how Zandvoort, with its challenging layout and intense atmosphere, could deliver world-class entertainment.
Now, with the final Dutch GP on the horizon, these memories will always remain. Zandvoort may be leaving the calendar, but its imprint on F1 history will never fade.
Baca Juga
Isack Hadjar batal tampil di GP Belanda karena cedera pergelangan tangan. Laurent Mekies pastikan tidak ada risiko, Liam Lawson dan Yuki Tsunoda siap menggantikan.
Ferrari bawa 5 upgrade baru di GP Belanda, McLaren balas dengan paket terbaru. Mercedes dan Red Bull hanya update kecil. Siapa yang akan unggul?
Max Verstappen perpanjang kontrak dengan Red Bull hingga 2030. Laurent Mekies sebut tanggung jawab besar untuk berikan mobil kompetitif bagi Verstappen.
Lanjutkan dengan Google
Diskusi & Komentar (0)
Mari Bergabung dalam Diskusi!
Masuk dengan mudah untuk mulai memberikan komentar, membalas, dan berinteraksi dengan pembaca lainnya.
Komentar Terbaru
Belum ada komentar. Jadilah yang pertama!