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‘Why Netherlands is the Best Grand Prix on the F1 Calendar’

28 August 2025
12 Min Read
Katy Fairman |External Contributor

Just like that, summer break is over, and it is time to go racing again - and eat our body weight in Stroopwafel.

The Dutch Grand Prix is up first, taking us back to the shores of the North Sea, and a unique and historic circuit.

Just a stone’s throw from Amsterdam, it is a popular event and known for its fun – and rather orange – atmosphere.

One fan who got his first Formula 1 experience at Zandvoort last year is Jared Statie. Born in Curaçao, a Dutch Caribbean island, Jared has been living in the Netherlands for the past two years and recently graduated from The University of Applied Sciences of Amsterdam.

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He fell in love with Formula 1 in 2018, watching it on television, and became immediately hooked.

“The speed, the adrenaline, the guts the drivers need to have—it all fascinated me. “I had a group of friends and we all watched F1 together,” he explains.

Jared says that the atmosphere around Zandvoort is “pure energy,” on race weekend – high praise indeed from an award-winning DJ.

“One Of the Most Fun Experiences of My Life”

The Dutch know how to have a good time, and that is very much the case across the Zandvoort weekend. As well as an action-packed racing schedule, there is also fun to be had around every corner.

“Music, the vibe, the food, the drinks—everyone is there for one reason: the race,” Jared begins.

“Fans rock their team shirts, and there is excitement everywhere. Hands down, one of the most fun experiences of my life. Throughout the park there are different activations, music everywhere, and the whole environment feels safe and respectful.”

Being a DJ, music is such an important creative outlet for Jared, and he knows first-hand how important the ‘vibe’ is at these big events:

“I think this is one of the reasons people love coming to the Dutch GP- you know before even buying the ticket that you’ll have a great time.

“Even if you go alone, you’ll leave with an incredible experience. It’s similar to DJing—you always want to make sure the audience gets the best night possible.

“Experiencing the Dutch GP makes me realise how important it is to always over-deliver. That’s the best approach in every aspect of life.”

Taking Things to New Heights

Jared offers plenty of viewpoints when recommending which areas fans should check out, with the approach to Turn 1 being a great place to see some action.

“Eastside Silver is the place to be! You’ve got a few of the ‘bochten’ – or corners as it’s translated – where most of the action happens,” he says.

“My partner also recommends it. I think the grandstand is also great for energy.”

As for a more unconventional view for a session, or even the race, Jared suggests taking a trip on the iconic Ferris wheel. From there you can see the cars floor it along the banking through the final Turn 14, as well as viewing the wider circuit and the beach.

“Definitely get on the Ferris wheel if there’s a race—it gives you an amazing view of the whole GP and Zandvoort itself.”

Making Your Way to the Circuit

Being in the heart of a coastal town, getting to Zandvoort could not be easier. There is parking if you are in a car, but most tend to travel by train or cycle. The Dutch GP even has a special parking lot for bikes and mopeds which thousands of people use!

“I have a funny story actually,” Jared laughed when asked about the best ways of getting to the circuit as a fan.

“My partner and I really wanted to see the cars during Friday practice last year and check out the area. She suggested we rent bikes from the nearby stations, which I thought would be fun, and cycle the whole weekend.

“We hopped on our bikes Friday morning, but shortly after starting it began to rain. We had to stop, buy new raincoats, and then bike for almost an hour! Luckily, the rain stopped, and we continued in the sun.

“But the energy it took to bike an hour there and an hour back was intense! For the rest of the weekend, we decided the direct train from Amsterdam to Zandvoort is the best option.

“You just hop on the ‘F1 train’ at Amsterdam Central Station, and you’re good to go!”

“Plant the Seed, Water It, and You’ll Get Fruit”

As well as race week for George and Kimi, F1 Academy returns this weekend with Doriane Pin leading the drivers’ standings.

Jared made sure to visit the support series paddock during his visit last season, aware of what an important message it is sending across motorsport.

“Plant the seed, water it, and you’ll get fruit,” he said, when speaking about F1 Academy’s time at Zandvoort.

“Seeing how active the drivers are with their cars, the teamwork, the passion—it was inspiring. Watching it in person shows that F1 Academy is here to stay, driven by people who truly love the sport. It is definitely worth checking out.”

Amazing Amsterdam

Just half an hour from the circuit by train is the capital of the Netherlands, Amsterdam. A hugely popular city for all things culture, food, and fun, it is a great place to explore after a day at track with plenty to see and do.

“It’s one of the best cities in the Netherlands, whether you want to go out, eat amazing food, or just go for a run in the park,” says Jared.

For those who want to see an F1 race at Zandvoort, you will need to start thinking about next season soon as F1 announced earlier in the year that the 2026 Dutch GP will be the last for a while.

“I’ll definitely make sure to get my ticket for next year, the track will be missed,” said Jared.

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