Grand Prix des Pays Bas : Les faits marquants Le Grand Prix des Pays Bas, également connu sous le nom de Dutch Grand Prix, est l’une des courses les plus prestigie

1979: Gilles Villeneuve, the tricycle tightrope walker

The 70s came to an end and Gilles Villeneuve, who would finish as runner-up in the World Championship behind Jody Scheckter, provided the spectators with a spectacular sight at Zandvoort.

The “Little Prince” had just made an incredible (for the time) overtaking move on the outside of the first corner, on Alan Jones’ Williams. But further ahead, at Scheivlak corner (N°7), the Quebecois driver suddenly suffered a puncture on the rear left of his Ferrari.

A well-executed 360, a slight brush with the wall…and Villeneuve is back on track! But without really realizing that his tire was flat, the talented Gilles once again spun out at turn 1, with the left rear tire completely shredded…and he’s still going!

His determination to go back to the pits eventually overcame the suspension. The red tricycle even turned into a bicycle with the tilt of the Ferrari. With his arm raised in the air, Villeneuve caught the attention of the crowd during a victory lap that he would have preferred to avoid. The real honours, on the other hand, were acquired by Alan Jones, in his Williams. A turn of events that certainly cost the late Gilles Villeneuve the title.

1985: Lauda’s last race

In 1985, Niki Lauda teamed up with Alain Prost at McLaren-TAG Porsche, in a championship which, to this day, remains the closest in history (half a point in favor of the Austrian).

Prost and Lauda were indeed well spaced on the starting grid: the Frenchman was in 4th place, Lauda in 10th. And yet, this did not prevent the two men from facing each other for the ultimate showdown of the Grand Prix at Zandvoort. Niki Lauda managed to gain the advantage, through strategic play, over Prost: the Professor tried everything he could in the final laps, but his teammate did not deviate by an inch.

He has achieved it for the 25th and final time of his career. You will be able to find, in more detail, the magazine related to this piece of history on our website.

1983: Piquet and Prost collide

With the Dutch leg, there were four races left on the calendar. It was also the beginning of the final sprint for the title between Nelson Piquet, driving for Brabham, and Alain Prost, driving for Renault.

The Zandvoort circuit has been one of the most dramatic settings in Formula 1, and the two men didn’t hold back: in the 42nd lap, they are fighting, with Piquet ahead of Prost. At this moment, it is simply the title that is at stake!

The Renault took inspiration from the Brabham in the straight of the pit lane…and Prost attempted a divebomb (yes, it already existed!), but without success. Even worse: the Frenchman, missing his braking point, went straight into the sidepods of the Brazilian, who ended his race at the first corner.

This incident caused a lot of controversy, but it didn’t prevent Piquet from winning the first of his three world titles.

2021: The triumphant return of the Netherlands

The 1985 edition was the last one before a very long wait. Then, F1 decided to reconnect with its history: the Zandvoort circuit made its grand comeback.

Never before this long wait had a Dutchman imposed himself or become a world champion. The rise of Max Verstappen was a perfect argument to attract crowds. And what a crowd it was!

The 2021 edition was perfectly aligned with the incredible battle for the title between Verstappen and Hamilton. Tribunes filled with orange, an unbelievable atmosphere…and in the end: a resounding triumph for the beloved child of the public.

Max Verstappen remains undefeated on his home turf to this day, even though Lewis Hamilton contested his victory last year. Who will stop him this weekend?