Rolling dunes, seaside air and a party atmosphere – there is no place like Zandvoort
There’s something special about Zandvoort. Maybe it’s the way the track winds through the sand dunes. Maybe it’s the roar of the Orange Army. Or maybe it’s just the whole weekend: part race, part beach party, part national celebration.
Why the Dutch Grand Prix should be on your F1 bucket list
Zandvoort is a proper old-school driver’s circuit. It’s tight, twisty, and unforgiving. The corners come fast, the run-offs are small, and if you mess up, there’s gravel waiting. Turn 1, known as Tarzanbocht, is a deep braking zone with plenty of drama at the start. Then there’s Scheivlak, a high-speed blind right-hander that drops into the dunes. Fast, flowing, and full of risk.
When F1 returned in 2021 after more than three decades away, they didn’t just dust off the old track. Two corners got steep banking: Hugenholtzbocht at Turn 3 and Arie Luyendykbocht at Turn 14. The banking opened up new racing lines and added a proper rollercoaster feel to an already wild ride. “It’s really undulating, fast and flowing, and requires a huge amount of commitment,” said George Russell. And he’s not wrong. This place tests everything: skill, bravery, and focus. One small mistake and you're in the gravel. Lando Norris says it’s “really fun to drive with lots of banking and different racing lines.” Pierre Gasly calls it “relentless” and “old school,” while Alex Albon says it’s “tricky, technical, and fun.” 
Lando Norris claims his second F1 victory at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix
It’s not just the track that makes this race different. The setting adds its own twist. Coastal winds sweep across the circuit, and sand blows in from the beach, constantly changing grip levels. Every lap feels a bit different.
Then there’s the crowd. The Dutch fans don’t just turn up, they take over. The grandstands are packed in orange. Smoke flares, chants, and cheers follow Max Verstappen every time he hits the track. When he won here in 2021, the place exploded. Over 195,000 fans packed into the dunes that weekend, and when Max crossed the line, orange flares lit up the sky. As Red Bull put it, “the crowd went wild.” Verstappen called the atmosphere “spectacular.” And you could see what he meant. Every time he makes a move, whether it’s a pole lap or an overtake, the noise is deafening. 
When the Dutch turn up, they turn everything orange
Zandvoort isn’t just a race. It’s a party. DJs in the grandstands, beach fireworks, tunes blasting all weekend. Teams and drivers often say the Dutch Grand Prix feels more like a festival than a race weekend. If you’re looking for a Grand Prix that delivers racing, atmosphere, and something a bit different, Zandvoort should be high on your list. Rolling dunes, seaside air, a track that bites back, and a crowd that never stops. There’s nowhere else quite like it. Where's the circuit?The circuit sits right on the Dutch coast, tucked between the North Sea and the small town of Zandvoort. It’s a rare mix. Race track one minute, beachside getaway the next. If you like the sound of sea air and sand dunes with your motorsport, this is your place.
Amsterdam is just 30 minutes away by train. So you can catch the race during the day and be having dinner by the canals that evening. It’s the kind of weekend that gives you both the buzz of Formula 1 and the charm of a mini holiday. 
A circuit carved between dunes and the North Sea
Traveling to Zandvoort: What you need to knowIf you’re coming from abroad, the easiest option is to fly into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. It’s one of Europe’s busiest and most connected airports, with direct flights from all over the world. From Schiphol, it’s about 15 to 20 minutes by train to Amsterdam Central.
Most fans heading to the Dutch Grand Prix get to Zandvoort by bike or train. It’s simple, efficient, and avoids the stress of traffic. During peak times, trains run every 10 minutes between Amsterdam Central and Zandvoort. The ride takes about half an hour. Once you arrive, it’s a 20 to 30 minute walk to the circuit along the promenade. It’s scenic, easy, and part of the experience. The setup at both stations is smooth and well-organised. Queues are minimal and everything runs like clockwork. You can buy your train tickets online or directly at Amsterdam Central. While many race goers can visit the Netherlands without a visa, the exact duration and requirements can vary, so it's advisable to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before planning your trip. How many days should you spend at the Dutch Grand Prix?We recommend spending three full days, from Friday to Sunday, at the Dutch Grand Prix to experience everything the event has to offer. Between F1 sessions, you'll also get to enjoy a full schedule of F1 Academy, and Porsche Supercup.
Dutch Grand Prix weekend schedule at a glanceHere’s a quick overview of what to expect each day at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Friday is action-packed with Formula 1 practice sessions, along with qualifying sessions for the support series, including F1 Academy and Porsche Supercup. Saturday begins with the F1 Academy and Porsche Supercup qualifying, the third F1 practice session, additional support series races, and culminating in the thrilling Formula 1 qualifying session. Sunday features support series races, the drivers' parade, and the highlight of the weekend—the Dutch Grand Prix. 
Drivers' parade
Best places to stay for the Dutch Grand PrixFor most travelling F1 fans, Amsterdam is the obvious base for Dutch Grand Prix weekend. There’s no shortage of places to stay, whether you’re after something budget-friendly or more upscale. Staying near Amsterdam Central Station is a smart move. It keeps your travel time short and makes getting to the circuit quick and easy.
Just 10 minutes by train from Zandvoort, Haarlem is another solid option. It’s quieter than Amsterdam and usually has good hotel availability. You’ll find historic streets, great food, and a more relaxed pace after a loud day at the track. If you want to be right in the middle of the action, stay in Zandvoort. You can walk to the circuit, hit the beach, and soak up the full festival vibe all weekend. Just keep in mind, Zandvoort is a relatively small town. Places to stay close to the track are limited and tend to book out well in advance of the Grand Prix. Camping is the main option here and gives you the most immersive race weekend experience. Best grandstands for key moments at the Dutch Grand PrixOne of the most iconic spots on the track is Tarzanbocht at Turn 1. This is a prime overtaking zone and always delivers early race action. The Tarzan Grandstand gives you a direct view of the braking battles into this tight hairpin.
Tarzan Grandstand (Turn 1)
If you’re sitting higher up along the main straight, you’ll see the cars sweep through the final banked corner and follow them all the way into Turn 1. These grandstands stretch from the final grid slots right up to the first corner, giving you a wide view of the start and opening lap. The Arena section is packed with action, especially during overtakes and late-braking moves. Gold grandstands here give the clearest view of those crucial braking zones. Silver and Bronze seats are placed around the entry and exit of the Arena, with Bronze also available at the Turn 10 hairpin. Best for race start, pit stops & podium: Main & Pit Grandstands
Main & Pit Grandstands
Best for Overtaking & Drama: Tarzan Grandstand
Best for High-Speed Thrills: Arena Section (Turns 11–13) Grandstands
Arena Grandstands
Most grandstands are uncovered so bring sun protection or rain gear just in case. Where next?If you’ve got some time to spare, there’s plenty to do around Zandvoort once the racing’s done.
The town’s wide sandy beach is a major draw. You can swim, sunbathe, or try your hand at surfing and paddleboarding. There are plenty of surf schools and rental spots dotted along the shoreline. Just inland from the circuit, you’ll find Zuid-Kennemerland National Park. This area is packed with cycling and hiking trails that wind through rolling dunes and quiet forests. Haarlem is only 15 minutes away and well worth a visit. It’s full of charm, with historic buildings, canals, and museums like the Frans Hals Museum. And if you want more big-city buzz, Amsterdam is just a short train ride away. You’ve got world-famous museums, canal tours, and endless places to eat and explore. Contact us and start planning your trip |
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Rob is an experienced independent travel consultant and travel content creator.
His love for Formula One started in the 1990s, watching the greats like Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Mika Hakkinen. He traveled to his first Grand Prix in 1999. It was the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. Since then, Rob has traveled to over 2/3 of Grand Prix' on the current Formula One calendar. Fast forward to today, and Rob has turned his passion into a career, dedicating his time to helping others plan their dream Formula One trips. His favourite Grand Prix destinations are Austria and Austin, and when he's not attending a Formula One Grand Prix, you'll find him closer to home, walking or cycling in the Peak District National Park. |
