Zandvoort

Zandvoort is a coastal town in the Dutch province of North Holland with a population of 17,469. It is best known for its beautiful dunes, vast nature reserves, and of course, the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix.

Zandvoort dates back to the 12th century and was originally named Sandevoerde. The town’s residents were primarily engaged in fishing. In the 19th century, sea bathing became popular as a therapeutic practice for various ailments. This led to the opening of a bathhouse in Zandvoort, creating a new source of income.

In the 1930s, Zandvoort was home to many residents associated with the German Reich. During the occupation, it was transformed into a German military stronghold and became part of the Atlantikwall, a 5,000-kilometer coastal defence line. Many of the town’s buildings were demolished for military purposes, leaving significant damage after World War II.

Following the war, Zandvoort was rebuilt, and Circuit Zandvoort was born, largely constructed from wartime rubble. The town’s location and the new circuit spurred a major tourism boom.

Tourism has been an important part of Zandvoort since the 19th century. Although the Second World War brought a difficult period, visitor numbers surged again once the occupation ended. By the 1960s, more than half of the local workforce was employed in the tourism sector.

Today, Zandvoort remains a popular destination. Visitors are drawn not only by Formula 1 but also by the expansive beaches and stunning nature reserves surrounding the town. The beach pavilions also offer a perfect setting for tourists to relax.

Circuit Zandvoort has existed since 1948. From 1952 to 1985, it hosted Formula 1 races, though the layout was very different from the modern track. The Dutch Grand Prix disappeared from the calendar after 1985 when the province refused to grant permits due to noise concerns.

The rise of Max Verstappen ultimately paved the way for Formula 1’s return to the Netherlands in 2020. Ahead of the sport’s comeback, the circuit underwent major changes, including the addition of several banked corners. The 2020 race was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but since 2021, the Dutch Grand Prix has been a regular feature at Zandvoort once again.