Dutch Grand Prix – Presentation and Predictions
After the fiasco of the Belgian Grand Prix, Formula 1 will be keen to redeem itself. On this new and spectacular Zandvoort track, there will be action. MotorInside presents the Dutch Grand Prix and gives you its predictions for this thirteenth meeting in 2021.
An old track, completely revamped for 2020
The Dutch Grand Prix joins the Formula 1 World Championship calendar as early as 1952. Famous names are listed in the event’s list of winners: Ascari, Fangio, Moss, Brabham, Hill, Clark, Stewart, Rindt, Ickx, Lauda, Hunt, Prost, …
Between 1952 and 1985, thirty races counted towards this championship took place.
It was only in 1995 that the Dutch government expressed a wish to rehabilitate this circuit, which belongs to the municipality of Zandvoort.
The layout is redesigned, retaining only the part from turns 14 to 7 as the basis for the new track. Designed between the dunes, elevation is added to create two raised and inclined turns called “banking”. As on oval tracks in the United States. Thus, the last turn, number 14, is inclined at 18°.
Here is what 18° of inclination represents:
Ever wondered just how steep the banks are at Zandvoort? 👀
Here’s your ✨ answer ✨ #DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/EJS2sXqXXa
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 2, 2021
A redesigned layout for the show
With a length of 4.259 km, drivers will have to complete 72 laps to receive the checkered flag and thus cover the required 305km.
If it was Hans-John Hugenhlotz who designed this original layout, just like the tracks of Zolder and Suzuka in particular, it is Jarno Zaffelli and the Dromo company who were in charge of its renovation.
Niek Oude Luttikhuis, the circuit director, informs us that:
« wanted an innovative project, but also “old school », « with Jarno it was the perfect harmony, because we shared the same philosophy »
« Sensations of roller coasters »
He adds: Our philosophy is to design a track that is perceived as a real challenge that scares the drivers. While respecting the safety standards imposed by the FIA. We want to make you feel all this adrenaline in every straight line, turn, and banking on each lap. We want to recreate roller coaster sensations.
This track has been renovated in order to provide sensations to the drivers in the style of an amusement park with the most emotional thrill rides.
Here is something that should guarantee a minimum of entertainment for the many fans who will travel to the Netherlands this weekend.
Pirelli does not take any risks.
We are warned, it is a layout for thrill-seekers that has been created. Between the fast corners and the bankings that will greatly strain the tires laterally, and the tight turns that will require good acceleration capacity, the Pirelli tires are likely to wear out quickly.
On this demanding track, the Italian firm takes no risk for this first edition and imposes its three hardest compounds.
The #DutchGP made its last #F1 appearance in 1985! Discover how the circuit has changed since then: https://t.co/ifTL4IZHPf pic.twitter.com/sKEX1jRbj2
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) August 30, 2021
The editorial predictions
Max Verstappen is at home. The spectators in the stands will all be rooting for him. Doubly frustrated after the cancellation of the race in 2020 and a disastrous non-Grand Prix of Belgium, he will be eager to regain the lead and show his rival Hamilton that he will have to reckon with him until the end of the season!
This is how a vast majority of journalists believe that he will achieve the pole position and victory double this weekend. The Mercedes are not far behind in second and third place. Hamilton ahead of Bottas. Nevertheless, some are impressed by Norris’s very good results and see him climbing onto the podium.
