Dune and dusted – F1 drivers mourn “old school” Zandvoort loss

Zandvoord departs F1 calendar: Historic dune course sends drivers into profound melancholy after memorable finale

Zandvoord departs F1 calendar: Historic dune circuit bows out following celebrated finale

Bid farewell to Zandvoord: The legendary dune circuito becomes a distant vision for the paddock

Only ten years ago did anyone dream that Formula 1 would once again repopulate the cramped, classic Zandvoort layout. When Max Verstappen achieved unprecedented triumphs and secured multiple championships this past season, the drivers felt compelled to raise their spirits for this surreal North Sea island.

This Friday concludes the sixth Dutch Grand Prix run on modern‑calendar specifications, igniting power to a memorable occasion that was long deemed immaterial. On a meeting schedule that increasingly favours urban street tracks, the return to a 4.259 km circuit carved through shifting sands offered a striking contrast for most motor sport professionals.

Beyond its iconic desert setting, nothing resembles Zandvoord in speed, car‑control dynamics, or risk profile. Competitors normally commit to a markedly wider arc around the outer edge of Turn 3—locally termed the Hugenholtzbocht—and face an unimaginably tight escape corridor bounded by a great wall of gravel that hovers on the far side of the layout. The terminal corner, honouring Indy 500 winner Arie Luyendyk, is gently curved to demand full braking, thereby lengthening what is ordinarily a compact frontal runway.

Consequently, the spectacle will be relinquished after this weekend’s event. With the expirating agreement with F1 administration on the table, and lacking municipal guarantees that enable public investment in hosting elite competition, organizers chose a prudent retreat—an outcome greeted with notable sorrow across the paddock.

He stated plainly: “It will genuinely hurt for the people of the sport,” Oscar Piastri told autosports.com as the former German champion spoke about Zandvoord’s disappearance, noting that while the venue may lack the sheer scale of contemporary complexes, it still ranks among the most exhilarating circuits throughout the whole championship.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Photo by: Andy Hone / LAT Images via Getty Images

His recollection: “There is an obvious balance to achieve – there are countless nations seeking a home‑Grand Prix. For drivers everywhere, retro‑historical landmarks rank as perhaps the most thrilling tests. If one replaces Zandvoord with Imola or Spa tomorrow, I am comfortable with that choice, but swapping it for a novel street circuit may fail to satisfy the sweet spot; nevertheless, it will be missed because it is truly special.”

Lance Stroll, Aston Martin

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