Circuit Zandvoort F1 Preview: All About the Dutch Grand Prix 2023

The Dutch Grand Prix returns for 2023. Read on to find out what we could expect from this year’s race, as well as a Circuit Zandvoort track overview, and how you can experience the Grand Prix in high style.

Last Updated: 17/04/23 at 12:13 pm

The Netherlands may not be the first place you’d think of for motor racing, especially for Formula 1. Their record for drivers in F1 history isn’t too impressive until you get to Max Verstappen.

But Holland has become pretty Formula 1-crazy over the last few years, courtesy of Super Max and his immense level of success.

As such, Formula 1 returned to the Netherlands to race at the esteemed Circuit Zandvoort in the 2021 season.

Find out about Circuit Zandvoort and what makes it unique, as well as what could happen at this year's Dutch Grand Prix, and how you can attend and have the very best Dutch GP experience.

Circuit Zandvoort: Where is the Dutch Grand Prix Circuit?

Where is Zandvoort in Holland?

Circuit Zandvoort is located in the dunes just north of the seaside town of Zandvoort in the province of North Holland.

The town is just 24 miles (38.8km) from the country's capital of Amsterdam or a moderate one-hour drive.

Circuit Zandvoort track history & features

The Circuit Zandvoort first opened in 1948, although the first official Dutch Grand Prix at the track wasn’t until 1952. Circuit Zandvoort has been the only host track for the Dutch Grand Prix, having been held there 31 times.

It wasn’t held in 1954, 1956 and 1957, then it had a run of 14 years on the calendar before disappearing in 1972 for just one year, coming back for its second run from 1973 to 1985.

The company that ran the circuit went out of business in 1985 and that was the reason for its disappearance once again.

The reason for the first absence in 1972 was due to the drivers' refusing to race there, as they didn’t feel that the facilities and track were up to the current-day standards of an F1 track. The track was then redeveloped to allow for its return in 1973.

Between 1985 to 2021, the track was redeveloped again to become an international Grand Prix Circuit and saw an increase in different series of racing again, although it would constantly be hampered by noise complaints from the town and would have to adhere to a noise restriction order.

Circuit Zandvoort is and always has been a popular track purely for the excitement factor. It comprises fast, sweeping corners, a big hairpin for the very first corner, slight elevation changes and, craziest of all, the famous ‘Tarzan’ corner, which has a banking angle of 18 degrees - double the angle of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway oval.

When asked for a comment on the track, a number of the current drivers have said that it is “really quick”, “pretty insane”, “crazy” and “old school”. A lap of the circuit is akin to being on a rollercoaster.

Circuit Zandvoort's return to the F1 calendar

The plans for its return to the F1 calendar started taking place in 2018, when the owners of the circuit were invited by Formula One Management to make a proposal to hold a GP in 2020.

The proposal was accepted and the funding secured and in May 2019, it was confirmed that the Dutch Grand Prix would be returning.

While it was cancelled for the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing a revised calendar for the year, it did finally return for the 2021 season.

2022 Dutch Grand Prix result

The 2022 Dutch Grand Prix was a very straightforward result for winner Max Verstappen, as were most races during the season.

Verstappen came away as the big winner, taking not just the chequered flag, but also started the race on pole and took the extra point for the fastest lap.

However, the win wasn't without controversy, as a conspiracy theory emerged regarding the retirement of Yuki Tsunoda, who drives for AlphaTauri, Red Bull's sister team.

Red Bull were accused of conspiring with AlphaTauri to help Verstappen get the win, as the result of Tsunoda's on-track retirement brought out a virtual safety car and not a full one, resulting in Verstappen being able to do a pit stop with a reduced time loss.

While the media, fans online and even Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff slightly hinting at his suspicions of the incident, there was not a proper enquiry for an investigation and as such, nothing came of it.

Dutch Grand Prix 2023 Date & Time

The 2023 Dutch Grand Prix will be the 14th round of the season and will be held on 25th - 27th August. The race itself is slated to begin at 3pm track time (2pm UK time).

Dutch Grand Prix 2023 Prediction

The Dutch Grand Prix is some ways away yet, so things could change by the time we get to the end of August.

As things stand, after three races Red Bull have a clear advantage, taking the win at each with Verstappen leading the Championship, having won twice and taking second place in the other result.

They should still be very strong by the time the F1 circus heads to Zandvoort, so a safe bet would be to say Max Verstappen will make it three race wins in three at his home circuit.

However, we can't count out his teammate and probable title rival this season, Sergio Perez. The circuit suits the Red Bull car, and as such, Checo Perez will likely be looking to challenge Max for the victory.

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As will the other teams, who will have hopefully by this point have upgraded their cars to be able to better challenge the Bulls.

Aston Martin imparticular look the most capable of challenging, with F1 legend Fernando Alonso leading the way.

However, Mercedes' own legend in Lewis Hamilton will be looking to hunt down Verstappen should his team provide him with a car that can compete once more.

And never count of Ferrari, either. If they can get themselves sorted, they will surely be strong challengers, too.

How to Experience the Dutch Grand Prix in Luxury

At Seat Unique, we have a number of hospitality packages available for the Dutch Grand Prix, all of which offer a premium experience, as does any Formula 1 hospitality package.

Gold Grandstand (3 Day)

With the Gold Grandstand package, you will get to experience the race from some of the best areas around the track.

As well as seating from the Gold Grandstand, you will have access to the Fanzone, where you can join in the festivities with other fans.

The Gold Grandstand package is available to purchase now for £749 + VAT per person.

3-Night Hague Hotel Hospitality

If you're looking for a package that includes everything you'd need barring the flights, then the 3-night hotel stay packages are the best options for you. For this one, we are looking at 3-Night Hague Hotel package.

With this, you will get a three-day ticket to the Grand Prix, with seating at the Bronze level Hairpin 1 Grandstand.

You will also get a Sunday circuit transfer to and from your three-star hotel stay with breakfast included at a bed & breakfast in the city of The Hague, roughly an hour drive south of the circuit.

Free merchandise and a representative at the hotel will also be made available to you.

Package price is £1,699 + VAT per person, however tickets and hotel can be upgraded for an additional fee. To book your package, please enquire with Seat Unique.

3-Night Amsterdam Hotel Hospitality

The second ticket + hotel stay package is the 3-Night Amsterdam Hotel hospitality.

This package is similar to the previous one, only with a hotel stay in the nations capital of Amsterdam and a General Admission ticket instead of a Grandstand ticket.

Once again, your ticket and hotel can be upgraded for an additional fee. Enquire now to book your package, with prices starting from £2,255 + VAT per person.

Trackside VIP

Trackside VIP is one of the ultimate F1 hospitality packages, bringing you benefits to ensure you have an amazing race weekend for all three days*.

With Trackside VIP, you will have access to the hospitality lounge, during the days that you are attending. The lounge is fully equipped with TV's, bars and lounge areas so you can mingle with other guests.

The all-day Open bars will serve complimentary beers, wines, champagne, soft drinks, and teas & coffees.

You will also indulge in a gourmet luncheon starting with a plated starter, followed by a sumptuous buffet.

At points throughout the day, there will be guest speakers in the lounge. These guest speakers may be an F1 media personality or possibly even a driver, while there will also be a Q&A with an F1 executive.

Outside the lounge and between sessions, you will be given guided paddock access to get closer to the team garages.

You will also be treated to a Grid Walk at specially allotted times and photo opportunities with World Championship Trophies.

There is no better way to experience the Dutch Grand Prix, so book your Trackside VIP package now. Prices start at £3,899 + VAT per person

*One and two-day packages are also available upon request.

McLaren F1 Experience

While Trackside VIP is the ultimate package for all fans, the McLaren F1 Experience package is the absolute pinnacle of the Dutch Grand Prix experience for any fans of the legendary British team.

Feel part of the team for all three days as you will be given a ticket with admission to the circuit and to the McLaren Private Suite, which is located above the team pit and provides a view of the start/ finish straight.

Within the suite, you will get a daily driver appearance, with potentially both Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri coming by to greet you.

There will be a live camera link between the McLaren garage and the suite, providing regular updates direct from the team, as well as general team updates throughout the day from McLaren personnel.

There will be a flying buffet service throughout the day and a complimentary bar serving beers, wines, champagne, spirits, cocktails, soft drinks, and hot drinks.

You will also be given access to the Pit Lane Walk before the race, as well as access to another one of the exclusive lounges.

At the end of it all, you will be given a exclusive McLaren with goodies to take home to commemorate your experience.

Enquire now for the ultimate McLaren fan experience at the Dutch Grand Prix. Package costs from £10,175 + VAT per person.