Dutch Grand Prix: historical highlights

The track was only built after the Second World War, using communication routes constructed by the German army during the occupation. Contrary to popular belief, John Hugenholtz cannot be credited with the design of the Zandvoort track. It was the winner of the 1927 Le Mans, Sammy Davis, who was hired as a track design consultant in July 1946, although the layout was partly dictated by the existing roads.

There was no Dutch Grand Prix in 1954, 1956, or 1957, but 1955 saw the first real Formula 1 race as part of the driver’s championship. Zandvoort returned in 1958 and remained a permanent fixture in the F1 calendar (except for 1972) until 1985, when it took place for the last time in the 20th century.

Roger Williamson: a tragic fate

From the eighth lap of the Dutch Grand Prix in 1973, the British driver, Roger Williamson, fell victim to a puncture. As a result, he lost control of his car, crashing into a barrier. The car flipped over and caught fire. The driver behind him, David Purley, a friend and compatriot of Williamson, ended his race to try and save his friend, but in vain.

In parallel, the race goes on and the other drivers continue to fight on the track. The stewards, not dressed in appropriate gear, do not intervene, and it’s David Purley who takes a desperate chance to try to save his friend. The entire scene is filmed by television, which was able to witness this deadly accident live.

French domination on Dutch land.

The Dutch Grand Prix has been incredibly successful for French drivers. They have won 4 out of the last 6 editions. In 1981, Alain Prost started a series of 4 Grand Prix victories by French drivers, behind the wheel of his Renault. Didier Pironi succeeded him by winning in 1982 with a Ferrari. The following year, René Arnoux followed suit, driving for the Scuderia. And finally, Alain Prost completed the cycle with his McLaren in 1984. Moreover, in 1982, Didier Pironi was in a good position to win the World Championship title.

Alas, the Ferrari driver will break his legs two Grand Prix later in Germany which will put an end to his young career.

In the championship, however, only Keke Rosberg will manage to overtake him in the final five races, by just five points, making the Frenchman the vice-world champion in 1982.

La dernière victoire de Lauda en F1

The last victory of Lauda in F1

After over a year without tasting any victory, Niki Lauda is in search of a win before retiring. Unfortunately, an engine problem during the qualifying session only guarantees him a 10th place on the grid. At the start of the race, Niki Lauda gains 4 positions. Alain Prost’s bad pit stop in the middle of the race allows the Austrian to take the lead. But with fresher tires, changed after Lauda, the Frenchman climbs back up and returns to the lead with less than 7 laps to go. Although Prost has more pace than Lauda, he doesn’t find any opportunity to overtake him and finishes second. This way, the Austrian secures his 25th and final victory in Formula 1 and will bid farewell at the end of the same season.

The orange wall for Max Verstappen

After 36 years of absence from the calendar, Zandvoort made its return to the Formula 1 calendar, largely thanks to the growing popularity of Max Verstappen. An edition was planned for 2020 but had to be postponed due to the global pandemic. In 2021, the Red Bull driver secured pole position ahead of his title rival, Lewis Hamilton. In a race led with mastery, he triumphed at home ahead of the British driver and extended his lead in the championship. The prodigy’s victory on his home turf naturally created scenes of jubilation to applaud Max Verstappen.

The Dutch Grand Prix is back in 2022 for a second consecutive edition. Like the previous year, the Dutchman arrives on his home turf after a victory at Spa-Francorchamps. The difference this time is that he is the world champion. Max Verstappen should be welcomed as a hero. Who will be able to prevent the world champion from winning on his home soil? Will the lead over Ferrari be smaller after Spa? Answer this Sunday.