Digging into our ethos of 'fast cars slow living', we hope to inspire you to travel with racing but to take a little longer; to make a road trip through the landscapes, experience the culture, the food, the art, and the architecture.
A small country in Western Europe, the Netherlands is one of the most diverse places you could visit. Influenced by its neighboring countries, the Netherlands is a unique crossroad of cultures from across Europe. Connected almost entirely by canals, in the Netherlands you’ll find buzzing, cosmopolitan and progressive cities like Amsterdam or Rotterdam, but also peaceful farmland and smaller coastal towns like Zandvoort. It is one of those places that attracts everyone, from luxury travelers and history buffs to couples seeking romance and adventurous backpackers. Whether you visit for the raging nightlife or the ever-growing art scene, the Netherlands will always live up to expectations.
Key Information
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Currency: Euro ($).
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Language: Dutch
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Time Zone: GMT+2
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In an Emergency: Call 112.
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Weather: The race is at the beginning of September, with temperatures averaging between 22°C and 12°C.
The Circuit
Just 40km away from the capital city of Amsterdam, the Circuit Zandvoort was first opened in 1948 when the wave of post-war motorsport fervor spread across Europe. Originally, the circuit was made up of a mix of permanent track and public roads that curved through the dunes of Zandvoort. Formula 1 arrived at the track in 1952, and would go on to race on-and-off until 1985. A return to Zandvoort was set for 2020, after a 35-year hiatus from the track… Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic delayed the return until 2021. F1 returns again in 2022 to this old-school, roller coaster-style track. With an undulating and fast-paced design, Zandvoort has all the elements to become a favorite for Formula 1 fans from all over the world.
Track Facts
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Niki Lauda took his final victory in Formula 1 at Zandvoort in 1985.
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British driver James Hunt won his first Formula One Grand Prix at Zandvoort in 1975 for Hesketh Racing, the team's first and only Grand Prix win during its six years in the sport.
Eat
Van Wonderen Stroopwafels: The place to be for the ‘The Worlds Best Stroopwafels’. Open 365 days a year from 8.30 to 22.00 this place is a must if you find yourself in Amsterdam. Find this place on IG @vanwonderenstroopwafels.
Dumplings: This simple window-serve eatery near Westerpark in Amsterdam is famous for dishing up incredible homestyle Chinese nibbles. With no social media or website, this place is for those in the know. Fan favourites include the pork dumplings and the famous ‘peking duck crepe’.
Fabel Friet: Swing by for some fresh fries. Freshly cut, double-baked fries made using the best locally sourced potatoes. Find them on IG @fabelfriet. You won't be disappointed.
Van Stapele: At Van Stapele Koekmakerij they sell only one type of cookie. The famous Van Stapele cookie is a doughy dark chocolate cookie with the perfect white chocolate filling. Rumour has it they only make 3000 a day, and these beauties are in high demand so often sell out. Open: 10am - till the last cookie is sold. On IG @vanstapele.
Mortimer Cafe: Mortimer is the perfect spot to sit down outside and watch the world happen. A European and Dutch-inspired menu combined with a great location makes this a reliable spot for breakfast, lunch, brunch. On IG @mortimeramsterdam.
Pizzeria DOPE: It’s always good to know of a great quality pizza place in a new city, so Dope is our pick for that in Amsterdam. Find these guys on IG @pizzeriadope.
Do
Dam Square: Dam Square is the probably the most important square in Amsterdam. Admire the National Monument, Royal Palace and New Church. And take some time to enjoy the many street artist performances.
Hortus Botanicus: The Hortus Botanicus is a small slice of nature paradise in a metropolitan environment. With a wide range of different species, the garden provides for a beautifully scenic and relaxing walk. Here, you can quite literally stop and smell the roses (as they say…) But also, stop for some coffee and shops because it’s located in a great area in the city.
Rijksmuseum: The completely renovated Rijksmuseum tells the story of the Netherlands from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Complete with paintings from Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals, and more, this museum is a must to do in Amsterdam to truly capture the historic, artistic and cultural influence of this wonderful city. Tickets are 20 euros and the museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.
Bike Tour: Riding a bike through the city is an essential Amsterdam experience and it will allow you to see a lot of the city in a short time, all while blending in with the locals. Rent a bike or take a guided cycle tour, either way it will be an adventure!
Heineken Experience: Title sponsor of the Dutch Grand Prix, this household name beer brand invites you to learn about their history through a tour of the very first brewery. Here, you get to see the process by which they make all of their products, how it comes together, and see how Heineken functions!
Other places to visit in Amsterdam include: Stedelijk Museum, Jordaan Square, Vondelpark, A’Dam Lookout, The Van Gogh Museum and The Ann Frank House.
Stay
The Hendricks Hotel: Built in a 17th-century house facing the canal, the Hendricks is located at the heart of the city. Close to all of the action, from the Hendricks, you can walk pretty much anywhere in Amsterdam. The Hendricks has 25 spacious and comfortable rooms with unique decoration and a homely feel.
Ambassade Hotel: The perfect combination of antique and modernity, the Ambassade is a culture-based hotel. Filled with art and literature, this hotel is a wonderful way to keep your stay interesting. Located in the center of the city, it’s great to walk around and stay close to all of the attractions.
Novotel Amsterdam Schiphol Airport: Near to the airport, this Novotel is a comfortable and convenient place to stay. The hotel is easily accessible by car and has great public transport links. Just a short walk from the Hoofdorp bus and railway station, travel into the beautiful capital city or to Zandvoort itself is made stress-free.