Winding through the coastal sand dunes just a few hundred yards from the North Sea, Circuit Zandvoort is one of Europe's most historic and challenging road courses. Located near the town of Zandvoort in the Netherlands, the 4.259 km (2.646 mi), 14-turn circuit has been a beloved fixture in motorsport since it was first established in 1948. Its unique location and fast, flowing layout make it a favorite among drivers and fans alike, earning it the nickname "the rollercoaster in the dunes."
Zandvoort is renowned for its old-school character, featuring an undulating and brave layout that blends high-speed sweeps with tight, technical sections. The most iconic of these is the first corner, Tarzanbocht, a challenging 180-degree hairpin that has been the scene of countless overtaking moves. With unforgiving gravel traps lining much of the circuit, any mistake is heavily punished, a trait that demands total precision.
The circuit underwent significant renovations before its triumphant return to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, blending its classic feel with modern elements. The most notable additions are its two dramatically banked corners, designed to increase speed and promote side-by-side racing. These include the Hugenholtzbocht (Turn 3) with its 18-degree banking and the final full-throttle Arie Luyendykbocht (Turn 14).
Success at Zandvoort requires a high-downforce car setup and a driver who can maintain momentum through its technical, flowing sections. The coastal location means that unpredictable winds and sand blowing onto the track can impact grip levels, adding another layer of complexity. It is a circuit that rewards rhythm and confidence, cementing its status as a true test of a driver's skill and a car's aerodynamic prowess.
Location: Zandvoort, North Holland, Netherlands
Time zone: CET (UTC+1)
FIA Grade: 1
Surface: Asphalt
Length: 4.259 km (2.646 miles)
Turns: 14
Grid Size: 25
Downforce Level: Medium-High
Capacity: 105,000
Owner: Prince Bernhard of Orange-Nassau
Opened: 7 August 1948
Race lap record:
Time: 1:11.097
Driver: Lewis Hamilton, United Kingdom
Car: Mercedes W12
Date: 2021
Event: F1
Website: circuitzandvoort.nl
Wiki: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_Zandvoort
Circuit Zandvoort for GT3 cars generally requires a medium to high downforce setup. The track features a technical, flowing layout with a series of medium and high-speed corners, banked turns, and short straights that place a premium on cornering grip and lateral stability rather than outright top speed. The high-speed sections such as Hugenholtzbocht, Scheivlak, and the banked final turn (Arie Luyendykbocht) make strong aerodynamic grip essential for confidence and maximum pace, while the technical infield benefits from stable and responsive handling. Adequate rear wing and front aero are crucial to maintaining grip and balance, especially in fast direction changes and braking zones into narrow hairpins and banked turns.
The foundation of a fast Zandvoort setup is a stable aerodynamic platform, allowing the suspension to absorb curb impacts and cambered transitions. Too much rake or excessively low ride height can make the car unpredictable over the circuit's unique undulations, and a nervous front end will punish mistakes through the technical banked turns.
Rear Wing: For most GT3 cars, a good starting point is toward the upper half of the range. On a car with 12 wing settings, test between 7 and 10. This provides stability on high-speed entries and exits, and maintains grip in the double-apex first and final corners.
Front Aero (Splitter/Canards): Adjust the front splitter to keep the balance neutral as rear wing increases. Aim for agile responsiveness without nervousness: a stable, confidence-inspiring front end through sweepers and quick transitions.
Ride Height: Keep ride height relatively low for maximum downforce, but ensure sufficient clearance for curb riding in T8, T9, and the fast chicane sequence. Too low may cause bottoming out, especially over the banked corners.
Suspension: Prioritize compliance for banking and camber changes. A stiffer setup up front can increase turn-in rotation through medium-speed corners, but keep rear more compliant to avoid snap oversteer.
Additional Note: Consistent exits and the ability to use all of the camber and banking available are key, so setup should reward a confident approach and punishes unpredictable aero balance
GT3 Record
1:34.111
Alien
100%: 1:34.706
Competetive
101%: 1:35.653
102%: 1:36.600
Top Split
103%: 1:37.547
104%: 1:38.494
Midpack
105%: 1:39.441
106%: 1:40.388
Backmarker
107%: 1:41.335
108%: 1:42.282
Lap Time: 1:34.111
Driver: Jules Gounon
Car: Mercedes-AMG GT3
Team: AKKODIS ASP Team
Event: 2022 GT World Challenge Europe
Turn 1, is Zandvoort’s signature overtaking zone and the first big test of your lap. It’s a heavy‑braking, tight right‑hand hairpin that rewards precision under pressure and punishes early turn‑ins.
Turn 2, is a short, medium-speed, partly blind right-hander with a tightening radius, flowing directly from Turn-1’s exit. It’s deceptively tricky as you’re still managing weight transfer from T1’s exit while setting up for the quick flick into T3
Turn 3, is one of Zandvoort’s most distinctive corners, a steeply banked, tight left‑hander that rewards commitment and precision.
Turn 4, is a fast, uphill right‑hand kink that crests dramatically before plunging toward the legendary Scheivlak (T7).
Turn 5, is a fast quick, flowing kink that immediately follows the blind, uphill right of Hunserug
Turn 6, is a right hand kink before Scheivlak, it is the second part of Zandvoort’s high-speed right-left sweep after the Hugenholtz exit.
Turn 7, is Zandvoort’s most famous high-speed challenge. A blind, sweeping, downhill right‑hander taken on the edge. It’s a corner that demands trust in your markers & absolute commitment.
Turn 8, is a blind right-hand, medium-speed, positively cambered corner, that gives the opportunity to gain or lose lap time depending on management of the downhill approach & braking transition.
Turn 9, is a downhill right-hand deceptively technical braking zone. The downhill gradient and quick transition from T8’s camber can easily unsettle the car if you’re not disciplined.
Turn 10, a tight right-hand hairpin is one of Zandvoort’s heaviest braking zones and a prime overtaking opportunity. The challenge lies in nailing the braking point while keeping the car stable for a clean, fast exit.
Turn 11, is a medium-speed, right-hand downhill-approach corner that demands precision in braking and throttle balance. It’s the first part of the T11–T12 complex, and how you enter here will dictate your speed through the left‑hander and onto the short run to T13.
Turn 12, is the second half of the T11–T12 complex and a corner where exit speed is everything. It’s a medium-speed, slightly cambered left that launches you onto the short straight toward T13, so your priority is a clean, balanced drive out.
Turn 13, is Zandvoort’s penultimate precision test. A medium-speed right that demands patience on turn-in and discipline on throttle.
Arie Luyendykbocht is Zandvoort’s high-banked finale. A full-commitment, flat-out right-hander demanding precision. It’s all about trust: in your car, in the grip, and in your line.