Dutch GP and Portuguese GP looked at before Zandvoort’s last F1 race — and one stands out as the favorite!
This weekend, Zandvoort will host the Dutch Grand Prix for the last time under its current deal. The 4.259-kilometre track came back to the F1 calendar in 2021, after the 2020 race was cancelled due to COVID-19. A new contract was signed in 2022 to keep the race going until 2025, with a one-year extension for 2026.
However, in 2027, the Dutch Grand Prix won’t be back. Instead, it will be replaced by the Portuguese Grand Prix, which has a multi-year deal at the Algarve International Circuit. This track first made its Formula 1 debut in 2020, stayed on the calendar in 2021, then was dropped, but it’s set to return for 2027, 2028, and maybe beyond.
So, how do these two Grands Prix compare? Let’s take a closer look:
The 2023 Dutch Grand Prix was a highlight, with over 50 overtakes thanks to the tricky weather. Last year was full of excitement too, with Ferrari cars retiring and Oscar Piastri leading from pole. Meanwhile, at Portimao, Lewis Hamilton’s clever move in 2021 to pass Max Verstappen and then Valtteri Bottas is still remembered as a great moment.
Scoring the tracks, Zandvoort gets a 6 out of 10, and Portimao scores an 8. Zandvoort has some good chances for overtaking, especially at the first corner, but it’s generally tough in dry conditions due to its narrow layout and tricky turns. Portimao is different — its long pit straight and sharp downhill sections create real opportunities for passing.
When it comes to fan atmosphere, the Dutch Grand Prix shines. It’s the home race for Max Verstappen, and the passionate “Orange Army” fills the stands. Portugal has had only three F1 drivers ever, with Tiago Monteiro being the most famous, having once finished on the podium in a very unusual race.
Looking at history, Zandvoort has a rich past, hosting races before World War II and many F1 events from 1950 onward, though it was off the calendar from 1985 to 2021. The track was mostly redesigned during that time. Portimao is much newer, with only two F1 races since it opened in 2008.
Overall, Zandvoort is a great mix of old-school charm and modern racing. Its shorter pit straight is a small downside, but fans get very close to the action. Portimao, built with modern F1 in mind, offers more overtaking spots and is improving as cars have gotten better at following closely. It looks set to provide exciting racing when it returns.
Final scores:
– Dutch Grand Prix: 34/50
– Portuguese Grand Prix: 35/50
Both races have their strengths, but it will be interesting to see how the Portuguese Grand Prix fits into the calendar from 2027!