Rain clouds could be rolling in over the Dutch coast for the 2025 Dutch Grand Prix weekend, however that’s all a part of the traditional Zandvoort expertise. That is System 1 at its most atmospheric: an old style seaside circuit the place the roar of engines mixes with the crash of waves from the North Sea… to not neglect the occasional downpour.
For travelling followers, heading to the Dutch Grand Prix affords extra than simply wheel-to-wheel motion. Between the sand dunes and the shoreline cafes, the winding streets of Zandvoort and the canals of close by Amsterdam, there’s lots to discover come rain or shine.
Right here’s your information to profiting from it: what to pack (you will match proper in with one thing orange), the place to wander, and the little hacks all followers ought to get to know.
Chill earlier than the fun – Zandvoort city & seaside
Zandvoort isn’t simply identified for its racetrack, it’s been a seaside resort because the nineteenth century. Which means loads of cafes, a full of life promenade, and rolling sand dunes proper on the circuit’s doorstep.
Espresso with a view
Unbiased seaside cafes line the seafront – the right place to sip a cappuccino whereas watching the waves.
Seaside life (with a twist)
That is the North Sea, not the Caribbean. Sunny days do happen in August, however breezes are assured, and the ocean is bracing at finest. Pack layers and a windbreaker alongside along with your sun shades. On hotter days, you’ll see paddleboarders and surfers; on cooler ones, a brisk seaside stroll is simply pretty much as good. A seaside towel and a poncho would possibly each be helpful on the identical day.
The dunes
Behind the city lie the Zuid-Kennemerland dunes, a part of a nationwide park that’s residence to pink deer, highland cattle, and foxes. Cycle or hike by means of – however be warned, it’s superbly uncovered, so if the climate turns, you’ll really feel it first!
Getting there: Making your approach to the Dutch Grand Prix
Zandvoort sits on the North Beach, simply 25 miles (40km) away from Amsterdam and Schiphol Airport. The circuit encourages followers to reach sustainably by public transport, bike, or shuttle bus:
Automobiles
In the course of the Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort and surrounding municipalities are closed to vehicles and bikes, so go for park and bike, or park and bus choices in your journey.
Bus
For those who’re staying within the Amstelland or Haarlemmermeer area, public bus transport is a superb possibility. Boarding at a close-by bus cease, you might be then dropped off inside a brief stroll of Circuit Zandvoort.
Shuttle Bus
An alternative choice for snug journey to the Grand Prix is by luxurious coach. Tickets begin at €30, for assured seating, and you may disembark proper on the gates of the circuit. Afterward, you will be returned to your departure level. Easy!
Prepare
Taking the prepare is a well-liked journey possibility for followers, because the Zandvoort aan Zee station is inside strolling distance of Circuit Zandvoort. Further trains are being run over the Grand Prix weekend to maintain ready occasions as brief as potential. Nonetheless, should you’re taking the prepare to the circuit from Amsterdam, go sooner than you assume you’ll have to. Carriages flip right into a rolling orange military, and it’s all a part of the expertise! Followers are suggested to purchase prepare tickets upfront to save lots of time when travelling.
Biking
Biking to the circuit is without doubt one of the most original journey experiences on the F1 calendar. Really feel the breeze in your hair as you head alongside costal paths surrounded by lots of of different followers – there’s nothing fairly prefer it! Don’t have a motorbike? No have to worry, as you may lease one at some point of the weekend, with cycle parking included. Head right here for extra info.
Contained in the circuit
Circuit Zandvoort is famed for being old-school, slender, and filled with character. Drivers rave about its quick, sweeping corners and dramatic banking, whereas followers get unimaginable picture ops.
Prime corners to absorb the views
Tarzanbocht (Flip 1) is famous for overtakes. The Arie Luyendykbocht, the banked remaining nook, slings vehicles onto the pit straight at round 180mph.
Fanzone
Anticipate numerous music, activations enjoyable for followers of all ages, and loads of orange in every single place. Simply don’t depend on your cellphone sign when the gang is at full capability – screenshot maps forward of time and agree on assembly spots with your pals.
Picture spots
- The Tarzanbocht grandstand backdrop: it is an iconic first nook, at all times buzzing with orange-clad followers
- Alongside the dune trails: pure elevation plus the circuit looming within the background completely captures the race-weekend aesthetic of the Dutch Grand Prix
- The Fan space zone: the enormous screens, crew colors, and orange backdrop make for an ideal “I used to be there” snap to ship to family and friends
- Publish-race, head to the beachfront along with your wristband nonetheless on for the mixture of sea and circuit ambiance that’s unbeatable in your social media profile
After the chequered flag – evenings in Zandvoort
When the engines cease, the get together continues in Zandvoort! Listed here are some concepts on the way to spend your evenings after the on-track motion halts for the night time:
Reside music on the Fanzone
Head to the Primary Stage on the Fanzone for a bunch of music and leisure that goes deep into the night, from Dutch pop stars and rock bands to hip-hop acts and world-class DJs, and even a 90s disco. See the full line-up right here.
Zandvoort Race Pageant
Primarily based on Zandvoort seaside is a pageant of motorsport celebration with loads of actions and experiences to get your enamel into.
Seaside bars & hearth pits
Toast the day along with your toes within the sand – a soothing possibility after a busy day on the circuit.
Native Flavours
Strive some Dutch seafood, from fried fish snacks to mussels – or go candy with the notorious stroopwafels and poffertjes.
Close by Haarlem
Only a brief prepare journey away, this smaller metropolis looks like a “mini-Amsterdam” however brimming with medieval character. With cobbled streets, gabled homes, and canal-side cafes, it is an amazing possibility for a night journey outdoors of Zandvoort. There are many eating choices and bars to take pleasure in, or relish in a night stroll across the metropolis’s outlying tulip fields and artwork museums.
Prime hacks and ideas for visiting the Netherlands
Be careful for bikes
Locals cycle quick and at all times have proper of approach. Cycle lanes are sacred within the Netherlands – step into one whereas posing for a photograph and also you’ll you should definitely get a stern Dutch glare!
Faucet & go in every single place
Contactless funds are king within the Netherlands. Trains, trams, buses, supermarkets – simply faucet your debit/bank card or cellphone, no ticket machines wanted.
Climate-proof packing
Although it’s August, assume it’ll rain sooner or later. Locals carry foldable rain jackets, not umbrellas (too windy!). Copy them, they know finest!
Maintaining hydrated
Faucet water is protected and top quality, so have to maintain shopping for bottles.
Key Dutch phrases to study
Practically everybody speaks wonderful English in Amsterdam and the encompassing areas however studying a number of fundamentals like ‘dank je wel’ (thanks) or ‘alsjeblieft’ (please) will get you further smiles.
Public Transport Etiquette
Don’t stand on the left of escalators – that is the aspect for overtaking. The Dutch are huge followers of public transport nevertheless it’s necessary to stay respectful of others round you.
Bike rent knowledge
For those who resolve to lease a motorbike, maybe keep away from the busiest components of Amsterdam (Damrak, Pink Mild District). As an alternative, attempt the canals round Jordaan or Vondelpark for a extra relaxed and scenic journey.
Amsterdam: The proper pit cease
Most followers flying in will go by means of Amsterdam, and it’s value a brief journey if in case you have a number of further days within the space earlier than or after the race weekend. Simply half-hour from Zandvoort by prepare, the capital affords tradition, meals, and nightlife in equal measure.
Canal Belt magic
Amsterdam’s historic canal ring is a UNESCO World Heritage web site, and it’s as photogenic because it will get. Professional tip: as talked about above, a rain jacket is healthier than an umbrella – sudden showers + cobblestones + bikes can get messy.
Museum Mile
Amsterdam boasts over 70 museums and artwork galleries – however you should definitely make your approach to Museumplein for most of the huge hitters such because the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Stedelijk for contemporary artwork. Good for a drizzly afternoon. Timing trick: Amsterdam’s huge museums are busiest late morning. Head early (simply after opening) or later within the afternoon for a calmer expertise.
F1 Exhibition
For a restricted time, the System 1 Exhibition heads to Amsterdam! Till September 7, immerse your self on a journey although the world of F1 and it’s historical past… and future.
Neighbourhood wandering
Amsterdam consists of quite a few quaint neighbourhoods and streets to discover. Some notable mooching spots together with De Jordaan, with its slender lanes, cosy cafes, and boutique outlets – even in drizzle, it’s charming, – and De Pijp, consisting of buzzing terraces and the Albert Cuyp road market, excellent for foodies.
Insta-Prepared Spots
- On a canal bridge at sundown for the traditional Amsterdam shot
- In entrance of the slender, tilting homes alongside the canal belt
- At Museumplein, with the Rijksmuseum framing the background completely
- A selfie with a stroopwafel in hand at one of many road markets
- An motion shot biking by the canals (rigorously!) is the final word Dutch way of life snap
Amsterdam is a compact metropolis, so it’s comparatively straightforward to tick off a bunch of those in a single stroll. Simply be careful for bikes once you’re pausing for the shot!
Foodie gasoline and nightlife power
There are infinite choices for distinctive food and drinks experiences inside Amsterdam and the encompassing areas. Stroopwafels, poffertjes, and fries with mayo are all Dutch staples you’ll discover in every single place – attempt these and it’ll be clear why they’re beloved delicacies within the nation! Feeling courageous? Strive uncooked herring “Amsterdam type”, eaten with pickles and onions.
From canal-side pubs to huge squares equivalent to Leidseplein and Rembrandtplein, Amsterdam retains the get together going late.
