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Formula 1
resumes with a Sprint weekend. The Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort will also
adopt this format. Located on the shores of the North Sea, the circuit is
4.259 kilometres long and features 14 corners. Its most distinctive
characteristic is its two banked turns (Turns 3 and 14), whose banking angle
is even steeper than Indianapolis.
For the event in the Netherlands,
the selected compounds are the C2, C3 and C4, the same choice as last year.
Opting for a softer trio contributed to a two-stop race, aided by
neutralisations, in which all the available compounds were used.
The
track, situated just 40 km from Amsterdam, offers a low level of grip both
because of the nature of its asphalt, which has been resurfaced in several
sections over the years, and because of the sand blown onto the circuit from
the nearby beaches. This phenomenon can reduce grip not only from one day to
the next, but sometimes even from one session to another.
The
Zandvoort circuit is particularly demanding on tyres in terms of energy
density, owing to its short lap length and numerous corners, some of them
taken at high speed. The two banked turns, with gradients of 19 and 18
degrees respectively, generate extremely high vertical and lateral forces on
the tyres.
Teams therefore need to manage car setup carefully and,
more generally, the interaction between car and tyres. The level of
aerodynamic downforce required is high, very similar to that needed at
Budapest, venue of the final round before the summer break.
The Dutch
round has been brought forward by one week compared to 2025. In theory,
thermal degradation should play a significant role in the middle of August,
but temperatures at Zandvoort rarely exceed 20°C and rain is a frequent
feature. In addition, the circuit’s proximity to the sea means strong gusts
of wind are common, which could affect the drivers, especially with the new
aerodynamic regulations.
With the Sprint format making its debut at
Zandvoort, teams will have only one hour of free practice available to
finalise their car setups. While the Hard is likely to be the reference
compound for Sunday’s race, the two softer options could both prove
effective choices for Saturday’s Sprint. Overtaking difficulty, caused by
the presence of only one straight and the narrow track width, will also be
an important factor in Grand Prix strategy.
In 2025
All three compounds selected for the Grand
Prix were used on the starting grid. Fourteen drivers opted to start on the
Medium, four on the Soft and two on the Hard. The C2 was the most
extensively used tyre during the race, mainly in the longest middle stint.
Almost all drivers made a second pit stop by taking advantage of safety car
restarts after lap 50, with most of them finishing the race on Soft tyres.
STATISTICS
The Dutch Grand Prix has always been held at
the Zandvoort circuit. This year marks its 36th edition, the first race
having taken place in 1952. The driver with the most victories at this track
is Jim Clark (4), while Ferrari holds the record among constructors with
eight wins. Local hero Max Verstappen has so far won three races here, the
same number as Jackie Stewart and Niki Lauda. |
