Dutch Grand Prix: Preview

Circuit Zandvoort returned to Formula 1’s calendar in 2021 after a hiatus that had stretched to 36 years. Its history can be traced back to the late 1930s, when the coastal sand dunes were selected for a race track, with construction of a circuit commencing in the mid-1940s. 

The flowing and undulating circuit was a regular on the Formula 1 schedule before being lost in the mid-1980s. It was shortened and renovated, holding national events, before being revived as a grand prix amid the rise of Dutch hero and current World Champion Max Verstappen.

The circuit received rave reviews from drivers following its rejuvenation, with the high-speed plunge through Scheivlak and the Arie Luyendijk Bocht – which features 18-degree banking – particularly applauded. Track position is key at Zandvoort, meaning a strong Saturday should set up a profitable Sunday, but drivers proved in 2021 that on-track passing is feasible at multiple turns. 

Haas F1 Team’s Mick Schumacher was part of the field upon Zandvoort’s return in 2021 while Kevin Magnussen has never competed on the reprofiled layout, having last raced at the Dutch Grand Prix venue back in Formula 3 in 2011. 

Haas F1 Team enters the Dutch Grand Prix in seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship on 34 points. 

Guenther Steiner – Team Principal

While the Belgian Grand Prix ultimately did not suit the finer traits of the VF-22, what was the feedback from both Kevin and Mick with the upgraded package and its on-going development?

“It’s difficult to say their feelings on this because it’s a back-to-back and really on that circuit, we didn’t shine. The good thing is we see the data on the car is matching the data in the wind tunnel and at this stage, that’s the most important thing.”

 

Looking ahead to the remaining eight races on the schedule, and considering the knowledge base and understanding now with the VF-22, what tracks do you feel will play to its strengths?

“I’ll start with the track that won’t be good for us, which will be Monza – that’s not our favourite track – but I think hopefully we can have good results in Zandvoort and Japan. In Austin we’ve always struggled a little bit but hopefully we’ll get it done this year, but definitely where I’m not looking forward to is Monza.”  

Last year’s return of the Dutch Grand Prix proved memorable amongst a legion of Max Verstappen fans and his famous home-soil victory. What surprised you most about Formula 1’s return to Zandvoort – not least as it was a return to more of an old-school venue?

“I think it was the best example of an old school venue with a new interpretation. I think the organizing committee there, the promoter, did a fantastic job reviving an old track so we can go back while making it ready for the modern era of Formula 1. Hats off to them as everybody’s really looking forward to going back to Zandvoort.”

 

While Mick experienced the revised Zandvoort layout last season, this year’s Dutch Grand Prix will be Kevin’s first time around the circuit in a Formula 1 car. What are Kevin’s strengths in adapting to new situations and what preparations does the team make to prepare a driver for a new circuit layout?

“I think they prepare themselves for the race track pretty well and easily, that’s what they do. Obviously going out to find grip levels needs a little bit of time but I think he’ll cope like at any other new circuit. Hopefully we have a trouble free FP1 and FP2 so we can get as many laps in as possible to be ready for qualifying but I’m not afraid that Kevin won’t adapt to it.”