Dutch Grand Prix
3rd – 5th September 2021
At time of writing Circuit Zandvoort looks more like a giant sand pit than a Formula 1 track. Some parts of the track are still being re-profiled and new grandstands have yet to be erected. So what do we know about the grandstands and which ones are going to be the best places to watch? Knowing the layout of the track and the placement of grandstands we can speculate about what the racing will be like at the new Zandvoort and which grandstands might offer fans the best view.
Best Grandstands at Zandvoort
There are 3 main areas that look interesting for spectators.
Tarzanbocht – Tarzan Grandstands
Turn 1, Tarzanbocht, is one of the most historic corners at this historic track and it’s changed very little since 1948. The profile evokes turn one of the Hungaroring and like that corner, during the race this is likely going to be the scene of much of the action.
Overtaking won’t be easy at Zandvoort, but here after the start / finish straight, under DRS moves may be a possibility.
Hairpin Grandstands
The Hairpin grandstands 1 and 2 will see cars slowing down for the entry and slowing down to about 100km/h This should provide a good opportunity for photographing the cars at low speed.
Arena Section: Eastside, Arena In, Arena and Arena Out Grandstands
Like Hockenheim’s stadium section, the arena section is designed for maximum atmospherics. The numerous grandstands located here host the highest density of spectators and is sure to be a sea of orange come race day.
This alone lends these grandstands a unique appeal but the view of the cars braking hard into turn 11 and easing on the throttle around turn 12 should mean this will be more than a blink and you miss it view.
Eastside Grandstand 3 and Arena Grandstand 1, closest to the apex of turns 11 and 12 respectively should have especially good views.
Until the lights go out on May 3rd we won’t know for sure how the new look Zandvoort will be regarded as a track for spectators but one thing we can be sure of is the atmosphere among the 100,000+ Max Verstappen fans will be a spectacle in itself.