Formula 1 is preparing to bid farewell to the Zandvoort circuit, one of the drivers’ favorites, at its last Dutch Grand Prix. After six years of thrilling races, this iconic track situated among the dunes of the North Sea will not renew its contract with the category, a piece of news that has left the drivers in a state of melancholy.
The race, which will take place this weekend, has held great significance since its return to the calendar in 2021 thanks to the popularity of Max Verstappen. The 4.259 km circuit, with its banked corners and elevation changes, offers a unique driving experience that is hard to find at other tracks in the championship.
Despite its fame, the farewell to Zandvoort is a chain of circumstances. Organizers cannot count on government support to cope with costs, and with the saturation of interest in F1 in the Netherlands, they have decided to end the adventure. This decision has generated a wave of reactions among the drivers, who lament the loss of one of the few traditional circuits on the calendar.
Oscar Piastri of McLaren expressed his sadness by stating: ‘It’s one of the best circuits to drive, even though logistically it is small for F1.’ Similarly, Lando Norris commented that the atmosphere of the circuit, while many fans were there for Verstappen, was always vibrant and fun.
Drivers like Nico Hulkenberg and Lance Stroll also shared their affection for the track, highlighting that its old-school nature, with areas of sand and little run-off space, made driving exciting and risky. Stroll noted: ‘If you go off track, you can find yourself in trouble. It’s what makes it special.’
After this weekend, the Zandvoort track will join the many that remain in the history of F1. Verstappen, who has won consecutively at his home Grand Prix, concluded that racing at Zandvoort has been one of the most rewarding moments of his career. ‘The history and the passion of the fans make this place special,’ he stated.
With palpable emotion among the drivers, a memorable chapter for Formula 1 comes to a close, one that will surely be remembered as one of the most iconic circuits in recent years.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
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