WE ARE BACK BABY! F1 returns to the Dutch track for the start of second part of the 2023 season. This is a home race for Max Verstappen and the numerous “orange” fans may give him the boost he need to put Redbull back on the top step.

The circuit hosting the Dutch GP is a historic track that has undergone various transformations over the years.

Let’s explore together in the track analysis the various challenges present at the Zandvoort circuit, the venue for the Dutch Grand Prix.

The track is relatively short at 4.259 km and features 14 corners, which weave through continuous changes in slope and banking. The most famous corners are Corner 3 and 14, where the banking can reach up to 18 degrees significantly higher than those at Indianapolis.

The mechanical setup of the cars is crucial, requiring a higher ride height to avoid touching the plank in corners with banking. There are two DRS zones, on the main straight and between Corner 10 and 11.

Sector Breakdown

Sector 1

After the start line the cars approach Corner 1, the legendary Tarzan corner which is a right hand bend with a slight banking that might induce understeer. This is followed by a fast left right sequence leading to Corner 3, the first corner with significant banking. Here, drivers have three options for entry.

1) the shortest low line,

2) the fastest high line utilising the outer curve,

3) middle path.

Exiting Corner 3, drivers head into the fast sequence of Corner 4, 5, 6, which also features varying slopes and some undulations.

Sector 2

The second sector begins with Corner 7, a high-speed right hander that’s taken with throttle nearly at 100%. From here, the track continues to Turn 8, another right-hand corner that demands ample downforce for rapid traversal.

This is followed by Corner 9, a right-hander preceded by a moderately challenging braking zone. Drivers need to manage their entry well, as understeer could occur and push the car off track. From here, cars head to Corner 10, a wide left hook leading onto the second straight with DRS activation.

Sector 3

The third sector commences with the braking for Corner 11, the second most demanding corner of the lap. From here, cars enter the Audi S, a 90-degree right followed by a left hairpin. Traction is prioritised in this section to aid the exit onto the final stretch of the track.

Exiting Corner 12, cars head to the last two right-hand corners of the track, where it’s easy to exceed track limits on the outside. Preparing these corners well is crucial, especially Corner 14, which features banking and allows for greater speed on the final straight.

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