Zandvoort is a Formula 1 circuit through the coastal dunes, with two steeply banked corners. The Stratos format hires a whole circuit for up to 15 drivers, with a GT car supplied and a coach in the car with you.
In short: Circuit Zandvoort is a 4.259 km circuit with 14 corners in the dunes north of Zandvoort, the Netherlands, 35 km west of Amsterdam. Turn 3 is banked at 19 degrees and turn 14 at 18 degrees. Public track days here share the circuit with dozens of cars. The Stratos format hires a whole circuit for up to 15 drivers.
Visiting Zandvoort
This is a circuit guide, not an announced Stratos event. For Stratos destinations and availability, see upcoming events. The format comparison below describes Stratos at its listed event circuits.
The circuit
Circuit Zandvoort, known for sponsorship reasons as the Mascot Circuit Zandvoort, sits in the dunes north of the town of Zandvoort in North Holland, near the North Sea coast and 35 km west of Amsterdam. Formula 1 fans call it the Rollercoaster in the Dunes, because the track winds, rises and falls through the coastal dunes. It holds an FIA Grade 1 licence.
| Length | 4.259 km (2020 to present layout) |
|---|---|
| Corners | 14 |
| Banking | Turn 3 (Hugenholtz) 19 degrees; turn 14 (Arie Luyendyk) 18 degrees |
| Elevation difference | 8.9 m |
| FIA licence | Grade 1 |
| Location | In the dunes north of Zandvoort, 35 km west of Amsterdam |
| Formula 1 | Dutch Grand Prix revived in 2021; the F1 partnership ended in 2026 |
| Nearest airport | Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) |
A short history
There were plans for racing at Zandvoort before the Second World War, and the first street race ran in June 1939. The permanent track was built after the war, partly on communication roads laid by the occupying German army. Sammy Davis, the 1927 Le Mans winner, advised on the design, and the first race, the Prijs van Zandvoort, ran in August 1948. By 1950 it had become the Dutch Grand Prix, and Zandvoort stayed on the Formula 1 calendar through 1985, apart from a few years.
Noise complaints from nearby homes led to a rebuild. In 1989 the southern part of the track gave way to housing and the circuit ran as a shorter club layout. A full Grand Prix circuit returned in 2001. For the Formula 1 comeback, designer Jarno Zaffelli added steep banking to turn 3 and turn 14 while keeping the layout as a whole. Formula 1 returned in September 2021, and the partnership ended in 2026.
The lap, corner by corner
- Tarzan (turn 1). A cambered hairpin at the end of the start and finish straight, and the most famous corner on the circuit. The camber lets drivers pass on the outside as well as the inside.
- Gerlach and Hugenholtz (turns 2 and 3). Hugenholtz is the first banked corner, at 19 degrees.
- Hunserug to Scheivlak (turns 4 to 7). Scheivlak is one of the fast, sweeping corners the circuit is known for.
- Turns 8 to 12. A run through the dunes that ends with the Hans Ernst corners, a pair that work together.
- Arie Luyendyk (turn 14). The final banked corner, at 18 degrees, onto the straight.
What it's like to drive
Banked corners are rare in Europe. The road tilts towards you, so the car carries more speed than on a flat corner of the same radius. The first time, the steering loads up and the horizon tilts. A coach shows you where to turn in, where to stay committed, and where the banking ends and grip returns to normal.
The rest of the lap is rhythm. The corners flow into each other, and a mistake in one costs you the next. Brake once, turn once, let the car settle.
Ways to drive Zandvoort
Public organisers offer days for drivers with their own eligible cars. Check the event's format, coaching options and vehicle requirements before booking. GP Days, for example, offers open pit lane days and optional personal coaching.
Public track day or Stratos
| Public track day | Stratos | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic | Participant and on-track limits depend on the organiser and format | Up to 15 drivers, and the circuit is yours |
| Track time | Scheduled sessions or open pit lane, depending on the organiser | Two track days with unlimited kilometers; sessions, breaks and car sharing apply |
| Who's there | Entry requirements and experience groups depend on the organiser | A group by invitation, founders and tech leaders under 45 |
| Cars | Your own road car, or a rental if one is allowed | Porsche GT3 and GT3 RS, Ferrari or Lamborghini, prepared and run by our team |
| Coaching | Availability varies; some organisers offer personal coaching | Private coaching from professional instructors, in your car |
| Data | Personal recording or organiser services, depending on the event | Onboard video and lap data, reviewed with your coach after each session |
| Accommodation | You find and book your own | Three nights at a hand-picked hotel near the circuit, with transfers included |
| Food | Catering arrangements depend on the event | Catered lunches at the circuit and dinners at the region's best restaurants |
The Stratos format at other circuits
The standard Stratos format is two track days of private circuit hire, with safety crew and marshals, and three nights. Included: private coaching with professional race drivers, meals and group dinners, airport and circuit transfers, driving equipment, data and video review, and professional photography and film. Unlimited kilometers with your Stratos car.
The sample itinerary:
- Arrival. Check in and join the group for dinner and a driver briefing.
- Track day one. Learn the circuit. Start with your coach, build familiarity with the lap and develop your technique at your own pace.
- Track day two. Build on your progress. Refine your lines and bring the previous day's learning into each session.
- Departure. Breakfast, check-out and onward transfers. Photos, film and coaching notes follow.
The cars
| Car | Engine | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche GT3 RS | Flat six | 525 PS | 1,450 kg |
| Ferrari F8 Tributo | V8 twin-turbo | 720 PS | 1,330 kg |
| Lamborghini Aventador SVJ | V12 | 770 PS | 1,525 kg |
At listed Stratos events, the selected fleet car is prepared and run by the team, with mechanics, fuel, tires and brakes. Available models are shown on each event page. See the cars
Coaching
A professional race driver sits in your car, starting from your level. Data and video after each session.
Preparing for a Zandvoort track day
- Licence. Check the chosen organiser's licence and age requirements before booking.
- Clothes and equipment. Check the organiser's clothing and helmet requirements and whether equipment hire is available.
- Noise. If you bring your own car to a public day, check it against the organiser's noise limit before you travel.
Getting there
The circuit is 35 km west of Amsterdam, and the nearest airport is Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS). Plan airport and circuit transfers with your chosen organiser or independently.
FAQ (circuit and format)
Can I do a Zandvoort track day in a supercar?
Public organisers set their own vehicle rules. Check that your car is eligible and prepared for the track. This page does not offer a Stratos booking at Zandvoort.
Are the banked corners hard for a beginner?
Ask your instructor to introduce the banking at a pace appropriate to your experience and the conditions. Banking is not a guarantee of grip.
How long is Circuit Zandvoort?
4.259 km, with 14 corners. Turn 3 is banked at 19 degrees and turn 14 at 18 degrees.
Is there a noise limit at Zandvoort?
Noise limits and measurement methods depend on the event. Check them with the organiser before bringing your car.
Do I need my own car for a Zandvoort track day?
Check the chosen organiser. Own-car days require an eligible car, and rental rules vary. This guide is not a Stratos event listing.
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