DutchGP Wiki
Learn more about Formula 1, the Dutch Grand Prix and CM.com Circuit Zandvoort!
Learn more about Formula 1, the Dutch Grand Prix and CM.com Circuit Zandvoort!
Formula 1 is also known as the “pinnacle” of racing. It is considered the highest level you can reach as a driver. A race is called a Grand Prix in Formula 1. Drivers therefore also race for the Grand Prix of the Netherlands: Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix. A Grand Prix lasts a whole weekend, not just the race on Sunday.
In a normal race weekend there are two free practices on Friday (both last one hour), here the drivers can test the car with their team. This way they can make adjustments where needed, for example if they want more or less downforce. After the two free practices on Friday, the third and final free practice follows on Saturday. Here, the teams can test the car again, but the moment they go on track during this training, they are not allowed to make any major adjustments to the cars. This is called Parc Fermé.
After the third free practice, qualifying follows and determines the starting grid for Sunday.
Qualifying consists of three sessions, better known as Q1, Q2 and Q3. During Q1 all 20 drivers go out on track and drive a lap as fast as possible. After 18 minutes Q1 stops and the slowest 5 drivers are eliminated and their starting position is already determined. During Q2 the other 15 drivers enter the track and they have now 15 minutes to drive their fastest lap. Again the slowest 5 drivers are eliminated and so Q1 is driven by 10 drivers. Q1 is the shortest of all sessions, 12 minutes. This determines the top 10 for the starting grid on Sunday.
After qualifying on Saturday, the drivers will finally drive the Grand Prix on Sunday, with the goal of holding the grand prize at the end of the race. A race usually lasts between 1.5 and 2 hours and only the top 10 receive points for the championship. The winner receives 25 points, 2nd place 18 points and 3rd place 15 points.
The driver who drove the fastest lap also receives a point, but he must have finished in the top 10. At the end of the Grand Prix there is a podium ceremony for the top 3.
The points that the drivers achieve throughout the season will ultimately determine who becomes the Formula 1 World Champion. There is also a championship for the teams and this is called the Constructors Championship. Here, the points of the two teammates of each team are added together.
There are 10 teams competing in Formula 1. Here you can find a list of the teams and the two drivers who drive for the team.
There have been a total of 31 Grand Prix’s in Zandvoort for the official F1 World Championship. The Grand Prix of The Netherlands has been driven 35 times in total, so 4 times this was not for the official F1 World Championship. The most recent winner is Max Verstappen with his Red bull Racing car and, as you probably know, he also became World Champion. Other legendary drivers like Niki Lauda (the last winner before Max Verstappen), Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and many more have won the Dutch Grand Prix.
All of Zandvoort is coloured orange during the event, which is why the fans are also known as the Orange Army or Orange Madness. During the Dutch Grand Prix the circuit is also called the ‘Lions Den’.
During the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 2022 on 2-4 September, 105,000 fans are expected to attend the three-day event. In other words, a Grand Prix to look forward to.
The circuit is 4259 metres long and has 14 corners. There have been many changes to the track to make it possible to have a Formula 1 race here. There were adjustments to make the track safer, like fences and new asphalt, but also some corners were changed to make it a more exciting circuit. Two corners have been changed to banked corners with the famous last one; the Arie Luyendijkbocht, after which the drivers go full throttle on the straight.
Sustainability and the environment is an important part of the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix, which is also reflected in the fact that the majority of visitors came to the event by bicycle. There was also a recycling system, which helped ensure that 70% of all drinking cups were recycled.