Welcome to the Netherlands F1 24 Track Guide!
Discover how to master the thrilling Zandvoort circuit, home of the Netherlands Grand Prix. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of each sector, corner-by-corner tips, previous pole lap benchmarks, and essential car setup advice. Famous for its banked corners, fast-flowing sections, and unique challenges, the Netherlands Grand Prix circuit is one of the most exciting and rewarding tracks on the Formula 1 calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned sim racer or new to the sport, this guide will help you tackle the iconic Netherlands Grand Prix with confidence and precision.
Let’s dive into the details and make sure you’re ready to take on Zandvoort at full speed!
Circuit Overview
- Location: Zandvoort, Netherlands
- Length: 4.259 km (2.646 miles)
- Corners: 14
- DRS Zones: 2
- Layout: A unique and challenging circuit featuring banked corners, high-speed sections, and technical turns.
- Surface: Smooth asphalt with high grip levels, but it can be prone to wear due to its challenging nature.
- Unique Feature: The Netherlands Grand Prix at Zandvoort is known for its distinctive banked corners, offering a thrilling experience for both drivers and fans. The track’s elevation changes and narrow layout make it one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar, requiring precise handling and strategic racing.
Sector 1: (Turns 1-6)
- Turn 1 (Tarzanbocht):
The lap begins with a fast run down the start/finish straight, heading into Turn 1, a tight right-hander. Brake hard as you approach, ensuring you don’t lock up. Focus on hitting the apex cleanly, keeping a steady throttle for a smooth exit and use all the track on corner exit. - Turn 2:
A quick right-hander, the approach to turn 2 has a little kink to the left use all the track here to carry as much speed into turn 2, brake just enough to keep the car balanced. Carry as much speed as possible through the corner, using the full width of the track. This is one of the faster sections, so keep the car planted and smooth to avoid losing time. - Turn 3:
This is a medium-speed left-hand corner, which requires precise braking. Use the camber of the banked corner to help carry speed through this corner but avoid over-committing. The exit leads into a short straight, so maintaining speed is key here. Be sure to use the kerb lightly to stabilize the car. - Turn 4-5-6:
This sequence of right, left, right corners is a full throttle roller coaster. Thread the car between the kerbs and follow the path of least resistance so you don’t scrub too much speed.
Sector 2: (Turns 7-10)
- Turn 7:
This high-speed right-hander is tricky, take this corner in 7th gear and be gentle on steering inputs, slightly lift the throttle to reduce enough speed to attack this corner. Use the banking to help rotate the car, clip the inside kerb and let the car find its natural path to the outside kerb, avoid going to wide as there is a gravel trap on the outside. - Turn 8:
Turn 8 is another high-speed right-hander that flows naturally from Turn 7. Focus on precision here, drop down to 6th gear to aid turn in, use all of the track’s width on the entry and exit, clip the inside kerb and allow the car to run to the outside kerb. The smoother you are through this corner, the more speed you can carry into turn 9. - Turn 9:
One of the most challenging corners, Turn 9 requires precise trail braking and throttle control to avoid running wide. keep your line tight to the inside to maintain the best exit onto the following section. Keep an eye on track limits here as the slightest mistake can result in a penalty. - Turn 10:
Turn 10 is a slow speed left-hander leading into a straight and the second DRS zone. Focus on keeping a smooth line and a late apex to get the best exit, as the momentum from this corner will help you set up for the next sector.
Sector 3: (Turns 11-14)
- Turn 11:
This corner is a sharp right-hander, brake hard and aim to get as close to the apex as possible. It’s easy to overshoot this corner, so be careful with your braking point and ensure you’re positioned well for turn 12. - Turn 12:
A slow speed left-hander, Turn 12 is all about balance and control. Keep a smooth line and clip the inside kerb, watch out for dipping a wheel into the gravel trap. Use the entire track width on exit staying smooth to avoid losing any momentum. - Turn 13:
Turn 13 is a medium-speed right-hander that requires precise braking and steering. You’ll want to brake late but carefully, ensuring you don’t lose control on the exit. This is the final tricky corner before the last banked corner. - Turn 14:
The last corner is a banked right-hander leading back onto the main straight it also is the longest DRS zone. Turn in early and avoid scrubbing any speed, setting yourself up for a fast exit. A good exit here is crucial, as it directly affects your speed onto the home straight, and you’ll need that momentum to start the lap strong again.
Full Qualifying Lap
In this section, you’ll find my full Netherlands Grand Prix F1 24 qualifying lap video, where I push the limits of precision and speed to challenge myself against real-world qualifying lap times. Experience the thrill of navigating Zandvoort’s iconic corners like Tarzan. Watch as I take on the unique challenges of this thrilling circuit, with its banked corners and fast-flowing sections. See how my lap compares to the best drivers in Formula 1 and witness the technical mastery required to tackle the Dutch Grand Prix. Immerse yourself in the excitement of Zandvoort, as I strive for the perfect lap!
Previous Pole Lap Times at Netherlands Grand Prix
Here are the pole lap times for the Netherlands Grand Prix at Zandvoort in recent years, showcasing the incredible speed and precision required to conquer this unique and challenging circuit.
- 2024 Pole Lap: Lando Norris – 1:09.673
- 2023 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:10.567
- 2022 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:10.342
- 2021 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:08.885
Personal Lap Reflection
Zandvoort is such a fantastic track with its unique combination of fast, flowing corners that come at you quickly. Having confidence in your setup is absolutely crucial, and I was fortunate to feel very confident with mine. This gave me the freedom to attack each corner with plenty of speed, really making the most of the circuit’s rhythm.
The banked corners at Zandvoort make it feel like a true rollercoaster, adding an extra layer of excitement to every lap. There are definitely a few overtaking opportunities, and with my setup, I felt I had the confidence to be the last of the late breakers, carrying maximum speed through the apexes. Whether making an overtake or setting one up, the setup allowed me to push hard and make the most of the track’s challenges. It was a thrilling experience, and I can’t wait to see how others tackle this amazing circuit.
Netherlands F1 24 Setup
For my Netherlands F1 24 Grand Prix qualifying lap, I used a setup optimized for a 35% race distance with 100 AI difficulty. This setup is all about balance, offering stability through Zandvoort’s high-speed corners and technical sections. It’s built to handle the flow of the track, especially the banked corners, without requiring any mid-session adjustments like brake bias or differential changes. With this “set it and forget it” approach, I could focus entirely on my lap and race performance, allowing me to tackle each corner with confidence and speed.
| Aerodynamics | Front wing | 50 |
| Rear wing | 43 | |
| Transmission | Differential on-throttle | 75% |
| Differential off-throttle | 30% | |
| Engine braking | 100% | |
| Suspension Geometry | Front camber | -3.50 |
| Rear camber | -2.20 | |
| Front toe-out | 0.00 | |
| Rear toe-in | 0.05 | |
| Suspension | Front suspension | 38 |
| Rear suspension | 5 | |
| Front anti-roll bar | 21 | |
| Rear anti-roll bar | 18 | |
| Front ride height | 30 | |
| Rear ride height | 65 | |
| Brakes | Brake pressure | 100% |
| Front brake bias | 55% | |
| Tyres | Front right tyre pressure | 23.0psi |
| Front left tyre pressure | 29.5psi | |
| Rear right tyre pressure | 21.5psi | |
| Rear left tyre pressure | 26.5psi |
Memorable Moments of the Netherlands Grand Prix
- James Hunt’s First F1 Victory: Hesketh Beats Ferrari at Zandvoort (1975):
James Hunt secured his first Formula 1 victory at the 1975 Dutch Grand Prix, delivering a stunning win for the Hesketh Racing team. The victory was a major upset, as Hunt held off Ferrari’s Niki Lauda to clinch the win on the fast, challenging Zandvoort circuit. Hesketh’s triumph was symbolic of their underdog spirit, proving smaller teams could compete with the sport’s giants. This victory marked the start of Hunt’s rise to prominence, setting the stage for his 1976 World Championship-winning season. - Gilles Villeneuve’s Epic Three-Wheeled Run (1979):
In the 1979 French Grand Prix, Gilles Villeneuve delivered one of Formula 1’s most iconic moments, driving his Ferrari on three wheels after a dramatic tire failure. Despite the damage, Villeneuve maintained extraordinary control, refusing to give up and completing the race with sheer determination. This unforgettable display of skill and courage cemented Villeneuve’s reputation as one of the sport’s greatest drivers, showing his relentless will to race, no matter the odds. - Niki Lauda’s Final F1 Win After Thrilling Duel with Prost (1985):
In the 1985 Dutch Grand Prix, Niki Lauda clinched his final Formula 1 victory in a gripping battle with his McLaren teammate, Alain Prost. The two went wheel-to-wheel throughout the race, with Lauda’s experience and tactical brilliance ultimately giving him the edge. This victory marked the end of a remarkable F1 career, as Lauda, known for his resilience and determination, triumphed in what would be his last win in the sport. - The Return of Zandvoort (2021):
After a 36-year absence, the Dutch Grand Prix made its thrilling return to the F1 calendar in 2021. The race was packed with excitement, highlighted by Max Verstappen’s dominant victory. What made the event even more special was the electrifying atmosphere, with a sea of orange filling the stands, as Dutch fans showed their unwavering support for their home hero. The return of Zandvoort marked a historic moment in F1, bringing the legendary circuit back to life. - Zandvoort Grand Prix: Sudden Rain Chaos (2023):
The 2023 Zandvoort Grand Prix started off dry, but the race was quickly turned upside down by a sudden downpour on the first lap. The rain transformed the track, throwing tire strategies into disarray and creating unpredictable challenges for the drivers. The unexpected weather led to dramatic moments, as teams and drivers scrambled to adapt, making it one of the most chaotic and thrilling races of the season.
Conclusion
The Netherlands Grand Prix at Zandvoort is a unique challenge that tests both driver skill and mental toughness. With its banked corners, high-speed sections, and elevation changes, this track is a true rollercoaster of speed and precision. The strategic importance of tire management and the ever-present possibility of unpredictable weather only add to the thrill. Whether you’re racing on the edge of grip through the banking or setting up overtakes in the tight sections, Zandvoort delivers excitement at every turn. Perfecting your setup and staying confident in your approach will help you conquer this challenging circuit and achieve the best possible lap time.
I put together this track guide using my trusty Fanatec GT DD Pro 8Nm racing wheel paired with the F1 Esports V2 rim, along with modded CSL pedals for that extra responsiveness. I race on the PS5, seated comfortably in my modified Playseat Challenge. To elevate my performance even further, I gear up with specialized gloves and boots that provide the perfect grip and feel. This setup has truly enhanced my control and precision on the track, making every racing session not just competitive, but incredibly enjoyable!
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