The Dutch Grand Prix first appeared on the Formula 1 World Championship calendar in 1952, held at the Circuit Zandvoort, a coastal track set in the sand dunes near Amsterdam.

• It was a mainstay of the European leg throughout the 1950s, ‘60s, and ‘70s

• Known for its flowing corners and fast layout

• Hosted legends like Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, and Niki Lauda, all of whom won multiple times

• 1985 was its last appearance before the race disappeared from the calendar due to financial and safety concerns

Zandvoort fell into disrepair for decades, becoming a nostalgic but forgotten gem of F1’s early golden era.

With the rise of Max Verstappen, Dutch fan interest in F1 exploded, making a Grand Prix return both commercially viable and culturally inevitable.

• After extensive renovations, Zandvoort returned to the calendar in 2021

• The track was updated with banked corners (notably Turn 3 “Hugenholtzbocht”) and modern safety features

• The reborn race delivered a carnival-like atmosphere, instantly becoming one of the most vibrant and visually distinctive events on the calendar

The return was driven by fan demand and supported by the Dutch government and commercial sponsors, symbolizing F1’s cultural resurgence in the Netherlands.