2024 Dutch Grand Prix: Fast Facts

F1 makes its return from the Summer break at the iconic Dutch Grand Prix, hosted at the picturesque Circuit Zandvoort on the weekend of August 23-24, 2024. Nestled amidst the rolling sand dunes and adjacent to the stunning Dutch coastline, this old-school track promises to put the world’s best drivers and their machines to the ultimate test.

Zandvoort’s unique layout, featuring a mix of fast and flowing turns, varying corner speeds, undulations, unforgiving gravel traps, and exhilarating banked turns, is sure to provide a thrilling spectacle for fans and a formidable challenge for the drivers. The circuit’s high downforce sensitivity, third only to Budapest and Monaco, will demand maximum performance from the cars, while the track’s mass sensitivity, the highest on the calendar, will punish those carrying extra fuel.

As the second shortest circuit in length after Monaco, Zandvoort will see drivers completing a gruelling 72-lap race, the second-longest of the season. The extended pit building, now boasting six additional garages, and the reduced pit lane speed limit of 60 km/h, shared only with Monaco and Singapore, add to the circuit’s distinct character.

The 2024 Dutch Grand Prix marks the fourth edition since the race’s triumphant return to the F1 calendar in 2021, following a 36-year hiatus. As the scene of legendary driver Niki Lauda’s final victory in 1985, Zandvoort holds a special place in F1 history. Meanwhile, seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton will be aiming to conquer one of the three circuits where he has yet to claim victory, as he looks to extend his record of most different F1 circuits won at to an impressive 32.

With its rich heritage, technical challenges, and passionate Dutch fans, the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort is poised to be an unmissable event.

How to Watch the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix

Formula 1 fans around the globe can catch all the action from the Dutch Grand Prix through various broadcasters and streaming services.

In the United Kingdom, viewers can watch every session live on Sky Sports F1, with comprehensive coverage of the practice sessions, qualifying, and the race itself.

For fans in the United States, the Dutch Grand Prix will be available through ESPN and its associated channels. ESPN offers extensive coverage of F1, including live broadcasts and replays. Cord-cutters can also stream the race live through various over-the-top (OTT) services that carry ESPN channels.

Viewers in Australia can tune in to watch the Grand Prix weekend unfold live on Fox Sports, which offers complete coverage of F1 races. For online streaming, fans can subscribe to Kayo Sports, a streaming platform that includes all Fox Sports content.

Additionally, F1 TV Pro offers live streaming of every track session to viewers in many countries worldwide.

This subscription service provides access to onboard cameras, team radios, live timing, and more, for an immersive viewing experience.

Remember to check the local listings and services for the most up-to-date information regarding broadcast times and availability in your region.

Home Ground Advantage For Max Verstappen?

The Dutch fans travel well to every race on the F1 calendar, however, there is no bigger party than the one at Zandvoort, where reigning champion and 2024 Driver’s Championship leader Max Verstappen will be looking to thrill his home crowd.

‘It was good to spend some time relaxing with family and friends over the summer break and we are feeling refreshed and ready for the second half of the season. It is great to start it back at my home race; it is always a fantastic atmosphere, and the fans are incredible, so it is a special one for me. It is a great circuit, with its short straights and narrow track and hopefully we can come back even stronger for this race. We are looking forward to the week ahead and hopefully we can be fighting for the win,’ said Verstappen.

Fast Facts: Dutch Grand Prix

• In general, Zandvoort has an old-school feel, with fast and flowing turns, a mix of corner speeds, undulations, gravel traps and banked turns. It puts many aspects of an F1 car to the test.
• Zandvoort is nestled in the rolling sand dunes and next to the beach on the West coast of the Netherlands. The main straight is the closest part to the coast and the back section winds its way through the dunes.
• Because of the many high-speed changes of direction, where the mass of the car can work against you, Zandvoort has the highest mass sensitivity of the year – which means, carrying more fuel will be more penalising.
• Zandvoort has one of the quickest lap times of the season and is the second shortest circuit in length after Monaco.
• The 72-lap race distance is the second most on the calendar (also after Monaco).
• It is the third highest track for downforce sensitivity, which means maximum or very high downforce is required. The only two tracks that rank higher than Zandvoort are Budapest and Monaco.
• The Zandvoort pit lane is one of three on the calendar to have a 60 km/h speed limit, rather than the usual 80. The other circuits are Monaco, and Singapore.
• For 2024, the pit building in Zandvoort has been extended by six garages.
• The Dutch Grand Prix returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 after a 36-year absence.
• F1 legend Niki Lauda took the last of his 25 wins at Zandvoort in 1985.
• Zandvoort is one of only three tracks on the F1 2024 calendar that Lewis Hamilton has not yet claimed victory at. The other two are Miami and Las Vegas. He is aiming to extend his record of most different F1 circuits won at to 32 in 2024.
• Max Verstappen is due to make his 200th Grand Prix start this weekend. He will be the 23rd driver in history to reach that milestone, but the youngest to a double century at age 26 years 330 days.
• Max Verstappen has won from pole position at all three Dutch GPs to have taken place during his lifetime so far.
• The Dutch GP will be Verstappen’s 59th race using the #1 on his car as the reigning World Champion. Only previous champions Seb Vettel (77 races) and Michael Schumacher (120 races) have worn the number for longer during their F1 careers.