Zandvoort Track Preview

As F1 makes its return to the track in the Netherlands, let's learn some more about the iconic banked tarmac by the beach!

(Image Credit to @circuitzandvoort on Instagram)

Zandvoort’s first Grand Prix was held in 1952 and gave us petrol heads racing action across the 306.587km race distance, equivalent to the 72 laps we experience now. Lewis Hamilton currently holds the fastest lap record at 1:11.097s around the 4.259km stretch of tarmac. With 2 DRS zones, one after turn 10 and the other after turn 13, we’d better keep our seatbelts strapped for the tremendous overtakes we are sure to witness. 

(Image Credit to F1 on F1 App)

Last year saw Lando Norris on the top step of the podium for the second time after his maiden victory in Miami. Norris managed to form a 22.896s margin to second, at the time, making it the largest winning margin in 2024. He further emphasised his strength in the papaya McLaren by taking the fastest lap of the race on the last lap despite his degrading tyres. It was the first McLaren win in the Netherlands since Niki Lauda’s final Grand Prix in 1985. Verstappen’s 3 time winning streak at his home Grand Prix was extinguished as he settled for the silver trophy. Charles Leclerc came in third after battling his way from sixth, beating George Russell and Oscar Piastri with a well-executed undercut with Ferrari. 

(Image Credit to @f1dutchgp on Instagram) 

What can we expect for the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix? Well, to put it simply: anything can happen after the F1 summer break. Team and drivers will have enjoyed their time to decompress, but will have also been working diligently in the background to try and get an edge on their competitors with practice and new upgrades. As represented by the first half of the season, along with the latter part 2024, McLaren is the one to watch. Their dominance this season has been admired after an incredibly troubled start to their 2023 season, which shows just how much they have improved as a team going forever forward. Oscar Piastri only has the championship in favour with a 9-point advantage over his teammate. Who will be the one to see the chequered flag first for McLaren: Lando Norris with a replica of last year, or Oscar Piastri reaching new heights and first-time wins at even more tracks? 

(Image Credit to @f1dutchgp and @circuitzandvoort on Instagram) 

Not long to go till the cars are roaring again, but who do you think will have the best weekend? 

Article written by Alice Seager ©️Alice Seager 2025