Trackday Zandvoort — Driving on the F1 racetrack
Trackday Zandvoort — Ride on the legendary F1 racetrack in the dunes
The steering wheel vibrates. The steep curve pushes you into the seat — 18 degrees, steeper than Indianapolis. In front of you: The notorious Tarzan Curve. Behind you: The sound of the North Sea coast. That's Trackday Zandvoort.
Circuit Zandvoort combines old-school character with F1 technology. If you have a Trackday with Porsche Search that sticks in your mind, leads your way through the dunes of the Dutch racetrack.
In this guide, you'll learn everything about track days at Circuit Zandvoort: Which corners challenge you, what makes the track unique, and how to experience your track day with ESC.
Circuit Zandvoort — An overview of the F1 racetrack
Why Zandvoort is so special
Circuit Zandvoort is one of the oldest racetracks in Europe. Opened in 1948, nestled directly into the dune landscape of the North Sea coast. Johannes “Hans” Hugenholtz designed the course — the same architect who later designed Suzuka.
Between 1948 and 1985, Formula One made a total of 34 visits to Zandvoort. Legends such as Jim Clark, Niki Lauda and Alain Prost made history here. Then came a 36-year break — until Max Verstappen brought Formula One back to the Netherlands in 2021.
The unique steep curves
For the Formula One comeback in 2021, two corners were converted into spectacular banking curves:
Hugenholtzbocht (curve 3): 19 degrees of inclination You can choose different lines — deep on the inside or on the outside of the bank. This steep curve enables overtaking manoeuvres that would be impossible on other routes.
Arie-Luyendijk curve (curve 14): 18-degree incline — steeper than the legendary corners in Indianapolis. Perfectly hit means maximum speed on the start/finish line.
→ Discover ESC Circuit Track Days
Route layout — 4.3 km driving pleasure
Technical data of the racetrack
The most important curves
Tarzanbocht (curve 1): The most famous curve at Circuit Zandvoort. A 180-degree hairpin curve with a long journey — the best overtaking option on the route.
Gerlach (curve 2): Named after Wim Gerlach, who had an accident here in 1957. A left bend that leads to a sharper right turn.
Scheivlak (curve 9): A quick, blind left turn. The differences in altitude due to the dunes make them particularly challenging.
Track days at Circuit Zandvoort — How it works
Can you drive on the racetrack in Zandvoort?
Yes! Circuit Zandvoort regularly offers track days, where you can drive on the F1 track with your own vehicle or a rental vehicle.
Organizers for track days in Zandvoort:
- European Speed Club (ESC)
- GP Days
- Slope Club
- RSZ Autosport
- Race Planet
Important for your track day: An online briefing is mandatory — here you can find out the route rules and sign the liability waiver. Passengers must be at least 18 years of age.
The ESC trackday experience
An ESC Track Day at Circuit Zandvoort is not an anonymous event with 80 vehicles. We are limiting the number of participants for maximum track time.
What ESC offers:
- Professional instructors with motorsport history
- Casco-insured vehicles with CarForGo
- Coaching for all levels — from beginners to experts
- All-round carefree package with food
→ Book Trackday Zandvoort with ESC
Visit Zandvoort racetrack
Is it possible to visit the Zandvoort racetrack?
Circuit Zandvoort is open almost daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. When there are no events taking place, you can visit the main stand and the indoor area.
Tips for your visit:
- Parking lot A is often free when there is no event
- Bernie's Bar & Kitchen offers coffee with a view of the route
- The racetrack is only a few minutes away from Zandvoort city centre
- You can rent F1 pit boxes for track days
Which races take place in Zandvoort?
Circuit Zandvoort is the venue for numerous racing events:
- Formula 1 — Dutch Grand Prix
- DTM — German Touring Car Championship
- Historic Grand Prix — annual event with classic Formula 1 racing cars
- WTCC — World Touring Car Championship
Tips for your first track day in Zandvoort
Vehicle and setup
The dune landscape with its differences in altitude requires a balanced setup. The omnipresent sand on the North Sea coast can make the route slippery.
recommendations:
- Chassis: Medium setting — the bumps are merciless
- tire pressure: Start a bit higher — sand increases temperatures faster
- brake pads: For longer sessions, we recommend trackday pads
Observe noise limits
The Zandvoort racetrack is located in a residential area. Noise limits: 88—92 dB (A), depending on the event A standard Porsche GT3 is generally unproblematic. For modified vehicles: plan for silencers.
Your next step
The steep curves are waiting. The dunes are calling. And the Tarzan Curve needs to be mastered.
At ESC Trackday at Circuit Zandvoort, you will experience one of the most legendary racetracks in Europe — with professional coaching and comprehensive insurance vehicles.
→ Trackday as a gift — ESC vouchers
Questions? Contact us directly — we will advise you personally.
Note on the accuracy of information:
Our track day program is continuously evolving. We regularly add new race tracks, adjust existing offers, and may also discontinue individual programs or dates.
The information in this article is therefore provided for general guidance only and may change at any time. The information on our current event overview page and the latest participation terms and conditions always apply.
We do not assume any liability or guarantee for the completeness, timeliness, or accuracy of the information in this article, particularly regarding dates, prices, services, tracks, vehicles, and participation requirements.
Frequently asked questions about Trackday Zandvoort (FAQ)
Formula 1 IS in Zandvoort – the Dutch Grand Prix has been back on the calendar since 2021. After a 36-year break, Formula 1 returned to the racetrack with Max Verstappen.
The Dutch Grand Prix typically takes place in late August. The exact dates are announced by the FIA in the official Formula 1 calendar.
F1 tickets for Zandvoort start at around €200 for standing room. A complete Formula 1 weekend with grandstand seat, travel, and accommodation costs approximately €800–1,500.
Yes! At Track Days, you can drive your own vehicle or a rental on the Circuit Zandvoort. ESC offers hull-insured Porsches with professional coaching.
Track Days at Circuit Zandvoort cost between €300 (half-day Open Pitlane) and €1,750 (ESC Premium with coaching and catering), depending on the event organizer and format.
The Zandvoort racetrack is 4.3 km long with 14 turns (10 right-hand, 4 left-hand). The track is driven clockwise.
Yes. Circuit Zandvoort is open almost daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The main grandstand and the inner area are accessible without an event. Parking Lot A is often free during these times.
Circuit Zandvoort hosts Formula 1 (Dutch Grand Prix), DTM, Historic Grand Prix, and numerous Track Days. Dozens of events with tens of thousands of fans take place every year.
Circuit Zandvoort is driven CLOCKWISE. Counter-clockwise circuits include: Marina Bay (Singapore), Interlagos (Brazil), Yas Marina (Abu Dhabi), and COTA (USA).
No. For Track Days at Circuit Zandvoort, you only need a Class B driver's license. ESC adapts the coaching to your skill level.
Still have questions?
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