Circuit Park Zandvoort

Circuit Park Zandvoort stands as one of Europe's most historic racing venues. The circuit sits in the coastal dunes north of Zandvoort, Netherlands, approximately 35 kilometers west of Amsterdam. The North Sea coast provides a stunning backdrop to this legendary track. The facility opened in 1948 and has hosted some of motorsport's most memorable races. Since 2017, the circuit carries the commercial name CM.com Circuit Zandvoort, though many fans still refer to it by its original designation.

Track Layout and Configuration

The current Grand Prix Circuit measures 4.259 kilometers (2.646 miles) in length. The layout features 14 distinct turns that wind through natural dune formations. Each corner presents unique challenges to drivers. The track starts with the famous Tarzan corner (Turn 1), followed by Gerlach corner (Turn 2) and the banked Hugenholtz corner (Turn 3). The sequence continues through Hunserug (Turn 4), an unnamed corner at Turn 5, and Slotemaker corner (Turn 6). Scheivlak marks Turn 7, while Masters corner occupies Turn 8. Turn 9 remains unnamed, and CM.com corner sits at Turn 10. The Hans Ernst corner complex spans Turns 11 and 12. Turn 13 has no official name, and the Arie Luyendyk corner completes the lap at Turn 14.

Two corners feature dramatic banking. The Hugenholtzbocht (Turn 3) and Arie Luyendykbocht (Turn 14) both bank at 18 percent, which equals 32 degrees. Turn 3 uses a special banking design that follows the Fibonacci sequence, starting at 4.5 degrees. These banked sections create unique racing opportunities and spectacular viewing angles.

Technical Specifications

Cars reach top speeds of approximately 305 kilometers per hour on the circuit. The track features more than 2,500 meters of gravel runoff areas. The safety barriers contain more than 45,000 tires in their construction. The banked corners generate high vertical loads on the cars and drivers. Engineers rate Zandvoort as moderately easy on braking systems, giving it a difficulty index of 3 out of 5.

Racing History

Racing activities in Zandvoort began in the late 1930s. A street race took place in 1939, which sparked the idea for a permanent racing facility. World War II delayed construction plans. The German army built communication roads through the dunes during their occupation. These roads later formed the basis for the circuit layout. The track officially opened on August 7, 1948. Prince Bira of Siam won the inaugural race.

The first Dutch Grand Prix occurred in 1950. The circuit hosted its first official Formula One Dutch Grand Prix in 1952. Formula 1 races continued at Zandvoort until 1985. After a 36-year absence, Formula 1 returned in 2021. The current F1 contract extends through 2026. The 2026 event will feature the first F1 Sprint format race on Dutch soil.

Notable Features and Events

Zandvoort has hosted many prestigious racing series beyond Formula 1. The circuit became famous for the Masters of Formula 3 race. DTM, WTCC, A1 Grand Prix, FIA GT Series, and Blancpain GT Series have all competed here. The facility maintains its "old school" character with gravel beds close to the track edge and elevation changes throughout the lap.

The track atmosphere reaches exceptional levels during race weekends, particularly when Dutch driver Max Verstappen competes. The circuit design came from members of the Royal Dutch Motorcycle Association. Sammy Davis, winner of the 1927 24 Hours of Le Mans, provided assistance during the design phase. In 2010, stunt pilot Frank Versteegh successfully landed an airplane on the main straight, demonstrating the track's impressive dimensions.