Best seats at the Dutch F1GP - All options reviewed (2024)

Circuit Zandvoort, Burgemeester van Alphenstraat 108, 2041

Held at Circuit Zandvoort in North Holland, 2021 saw this iconic track make a spectacular return to the Formula 1 calendar after a 36 year hiatus. Originally included from 1950 – 1985, the company who owned Zandvoort went bust and the circuit retired until it was reintroduced in 2021.

The hugely anticipated comeback closed in impeccable style, as Max Verstappen surged to victory in front of a legion of home supporters.

With 8 victories over the years, Ferrari have a strong history at the circuit. It has hosted some particularly memorable moments in F1, such as when Alain Prost roared to victory for Renault in 1981 after a ferocious tussle with fellow racing legend Alan Jones.

Perhaps even more iconic was Niki Lauda securing top spot on the podium in 1985, despite starting 10th on the grid.

“72 laps around this track is cool, especially in front of all these fans, they were incredible throughout the whole race, I’ve never experienced anything like this before in my life.”

Max Verstappen – F1 World Champion

At just half an hour from Amsterdam and sitting pretty on North Holland’s North Sea coastline, the track is a stone’s throw from the beach. Crafted by natural dunes, it is what some would call an ‘old-school’ circuit, with fast, banked, challenging corners. Think Monza but by the sea.

It’s one of the shorter venues of the calendar at 4.259km, stretched over 14 corners and including two DRS zones. Consisting of 72 laps, fans get to see their favourite drivers pass by frequently, which is always a bonus.

The 2021 event was highly commended for its excellent organisation and lively atmosphere. Zandvoort is easily accessible, with regular flights to and from Schipol airport alongside a fantastic high-speed train network.

Public transport and cycling is a popular means of getting to the circuit, and this is strongly encouraged by the organisers. The Dutch are notoriously carbon conscious and the organisers take some extra steps to be eco-friendly, so cars are banned from the immediate vicinity.

With regards to seating at the track, there are a range of options, both for those on a relatively tight budget to those with pockets deeper than the North Sea.

There were four different entrance gates in 2021, and which one you use will depend on how you choose to travel to the circuit and your ticket type. However, it is likely there will be slightly more in 2022 with a larger admission expected off the back of the COVID pandemic.

There is lots of food and drink on offer, such as your standard fries, sandwiches and hot dogs, along with some other cuisines the organisers like to bring in, namely Asian and Mexican dishes. A large beer will set you back about 5 euros, with water and soft drinks costing about 3.

Where to sit

Pit Grandstand

Providing comfortable chairs with seat backs and positioned directly opposite the pit boxes, the large Pit Grandstand is easily one of the best vantage points at the Zandvoort Circuit.

Lining up perfectly with the main straight and the starting grid, an electric atmosphere is guaranteed here, in part due to the hoards of Verstappen supporters who have come to see their idol on his home turf.

As one of the only stands at the track with a roof, if you’re worried about the unpredictable summer climate in Holland, then a seat here or in the main grandstand is the only real option of protecting yourself from any potential downpours.

Being on the main straight, you are never too far from amenities, with the main fanzone and merchandise stalls all within reach. There are toilets nearby too, though expect queues here at peak times.

There’s a big screen to keep you in the loop with all the action across the rest of the circuit, and the pit straight is actually one of the two DRS zones here, meaning you are no doubt going to witness some exciting battles for position too. The start and finish line is visible from this stand, which is a necessity for some fans.

The Pit Grandstand is the perfect option for those who want to feel truly immersed on race day, while having the added peace of mind that comes with being close to all the main facilities. It is one of the most expensive options at the Dutch GP though, so not for those on a tight budget.

Main Grandstand

This is the biggest grandstand at the circuit, and so probably your best bet if being surrounded by an army of passionate, orange-clad fans is something you are prioritising.

There are a number of video walls just opposite the seating, so you don’t need to worry about missing out on other parts of the race. Since it overlooks the main straight – which also doubles up as a DRS zone – it’s the prime location to see the drivers squeeze every last little bit of power out of their machines.

Hitting eye-watering speeds, they will be implementing crucial strategic decisions on the pit exit and as they approach the thrilling first turn.

With exceptional views of the start and finish line, starting grid and podium, the main grandstand is a good all-round option that allows you to be up close and personal for the most important race day antics.

It’s the only permanent and covered grandstand at the circuit, and has the additional benefit of providing views of some of the top teams in the sport.

Plenty of amenities are close by with it being on the main straight, and there are toilets just a short walk away.

Tarzan In Grandstand

The Tarzan In Grandstand is definitely one of the best seating options at Zandvoort. It has comfy seating which is never to be taken for granted, and there’s a big screen just to the left of you here too. The major selling point for this stand is its phenomenal position overlooking the legendary Tarzanbocht turn 1.

This iconic hairpin has hardly changed since its original construction over 70 years ago, and a seat in Tarzan In allows you to see the drivers fight for the initial positions on the thrilling first lap approach before slingshotting out the other side.

What makes Tarzanbocht a true spectacle is the sheer width of the track across the turn. Drivers can maintain wheel-to-wheel action at two or even three cars abreast, making it one of the most aggressive and exhilarating corners of the season.

If wheel-to-wheel action is what keeps your heart racing, purchasing a ticket for the Tarzan In Grandstand won’t disappoint you. You will have to dig into your pockets though as it’s one of the pricier options at the circuit.

Amenities and toilet facilities are plentiful, all within a short walk away. Be prepared to queue at times though.

One thing to note is that there is no roof on this grandstand, so you aren’t offered protection from the elements.

The weather was great in 2021, although there are no guarantees of a repeat in the future. There are three options at this grandstand – Tarzan In 1 is closest to the turn, and Tarzan In 2 offers high seats. Both are respectable choices offering great views. It’s best to avoid Tarzan In 3 as it provides low seating and the views aren’t as good.

Ben Pon Grandstand

At the opposite end of the main straight to Tarzan In is the Ben Pon Grandstand. Ben Pon 1 offers higher seating (and so is slightly more expensive) while Ben Pon 2 is lower seating.

The latter doesn’t offer views of the banked turn 3 though, which is where a fair amount of action tends to occur, and so it’s worth splashing out that little bit extra to make the most out of your day.

Ben Pon is close to the pit entry, but also offers distant views of the starting grid and the all important final corner. It makes it a well-rounded ticket choice, however there’s definitely better options at a similar price point (Tarzan In being one of these).

There isn’t an easily visible big screen in the Ben Pon Grandstands which is perhaps its biggest drawback, making it difficult to keep informed on all the antics throughout the race. If you get a ticket here, make sure you remember a pair of binoculars. It doesn’t have a roof either, so be prepared for any potential showers.

Thanks to its positioning on the final turn, the Ben Pon Grandstand is still a sturdy choice, and the viewing angle is far from bad.

If you’re desperate to see some last minute moves in the closing stages of the race, this spot on the last corner is fantastic.

Toilets and the fan zones are all fairly close, along with food and drink stalls nearby.

If you end up with a ticket for the Ben Pon Grandstands, you will no doubt have a brilliant day race weekend. Although, if you get the chance, it’s definitely worth trying to snap up the more sought-after Tarzan In ticket.

Arena Grandstands

Coming in at a variety of price points, the Arena Grandstands allow for an electric day out at Zandvoort regardless of your budget.

If you travel into the circuit by train and head through gate two, you’re pretty much next to the main F1 fanzone. Walk just a little further and you’ll find the Arena Grandstands, located towards the end of the lap and cocooning a slow chicane.

The cars reduce their speed significantly to navigate the twists and turns, before propelling out towards the end of the lap. This allows plenty of time for fans to see the likes of Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstapen up close and live in the flesh for a longer period of time than if they chose a seat in another grandstand.

While the view is good, what really sets this group of grandstands apart is the atmosphere – you’ll struggle to find a better spot if good vibes, deafening cheers and partying is what makes you tick on race day.

The dynamic here is different gravy, and a good time is an absolute certainty. A DJ in 2021 ensured the chaos continued constantly, and big screens are visible for everyone, meaning the all important chequered flag at the end of race day will trigger even more craziness.

The Location of the Arena Grandstands is great, and you’re really close to the main F1 Fanzone and toilet facilities. Food and drink stalls are in good supply too.

Arena 1 and 2 are ‘Gold’ stands here that lie right on the bend, allowing for the best viewing angles but meaning they are also pretty expensive. The Silver and Bronze stand (Arena 3) lying just on the exit and towards the final turn still allows for a respectable vantage point while not sacrificing on atmosphere.

This is a good choice if you’re trying to save a little bit more cash to spend on food and drinks when you’re at the circuit.

Regarded as the liveliest section of grandstands at Zandvoort, A day in any one of the Arena Grandstands will no doubt be unforgettable.

Arena In Grandstand

Congregated in roughly the same location as the Arena Grandstands and opposite the Eastside Grandstands, there is a real stadium-like feel to the Arena In Grandstand. Sitting on the inside of the track just before the chicane, a pass for here gives you a solid view of the DRS zone between turns 10 and 11, putting you in the prime spot for some overtaking action.

With it being right on the braking zone, you get a decent glimpse of the drivers as they reduce their speed to negotiate the bend, before easing on the throttle around the treacherous chicane.

The main Fan Zones are all relatively close by, and a video wall is located directly opposite you allowing you to follow the drivers’ every move. Arena In enables you to experience the magnificent atmosphere that comes with seats in this section of the track, while being slightly cheaper than the other Arena Grandstands. It isn’t covered though, so bare then in mind when packing your suitcase.

A sturdy choice, the Arena In Grandstand is popular among fans, and reasonably priced too.

Arena Out Grandstand

Perched on the inside of the track just after the chicane, the Arena Out Grandstand gives you views of the exit of turn 12 and the approach to turn 13, the penultimate turn at Zandvoort. It’s an exciting point in the race and so a popular option among race goers.

As the closest grandstand to the main F1 Fanzone, Arena Out is within reach of everything you may need on race day, whether that be food and drink stalls, toilets, or general merchandise. Expect congestion at peak times though.

As one of the cheapest grandstands at the circuit, Arena Out is a wise choice if you’re on a budget. It’s a little further from the chicane though, so may lack that ‘stadium feel’ of the more expensive Arena Grandstands at times. If you aren’t too bothered about the partying side of things, then it’s an easy way to save some money.

Eastside Grandstands

There are 3 large Eastside Grandstands, with each coming in at a different price point. The more you’re willing to spend, the better the experience will be (as a general rule of thumb).

Dotted along the DRS zone on the approach to turn 11, all of the Eastside stands offer the opportunity to witness some fierce close-wheel action. The more expensive gold stand is closest to the Arena Section (it’s essentially part of it), and the atmosphere here will be worlds apart from the cheaper bronze option at the opposite end.

The gold and silver stands have access to big screens, while the bronze has a slightly more restricted view of one. When it comes to buying tickets for the Eastside Grandstand, the gold package is definitely worth it if you can afford it. It comes with higher seating so you get to look down on all the racing antics from above.

There is actually a fourth grandstand that’s classed as part of the Eastside Stands. It’s another bronze one, running parallel to the bronze Arena Grandstand. It’s probably the better option out of the two bronze choices, so if you’re on a budget and you want to sit in the Eastside Grandstand, get a ticket here.

Being close to the main congregation of fans at the circuit means that although there are lots of toilet facilities and food pop-ups nearby, you will likely have to queue at least for a short while. The Stands are covered so bring along an emergency raincoat in case the weather switches up.

Hairpin Grandstands

Both of the hairpin Grandstands are, as their name suggests, positioned overlooking the hairpin of sector 2. They sit back to back here, on the inside of the track.

As a bronze option, they are one of the cheapest options for those chasing a seat in a grandstand,but they are pretty isolated and so you may not get the same dopamine kick you would receive seated in a livelier part of the track.

The major perk of the Hairpin Grandstands is that the cars pass by nice and slowly, after dropping their speed significantly to pass through the turn safely. This makes it perfect for any photo opportunities.

Besides that, this is one of the options at the circuit that isn’t really recommended. You can get better seats with a much better atmosphere in other zones. It’s one of the furthest stands from the main F1 Fanzone, and it doesn’t have a roof so you aren’t saved from any adverse conditions. Note however that there are big screens, so you can track the rest of the race from here.

Dutch F1 Grand Prix Fan Zone

General Admission

The added freedom of general admission appeals to many fans, as it means you don’t have to die yourself down to any particular area. At Zandvoort, it comes in 2 forms.

The gold general admission 1 option covers a massive portion of the circuit – you can spread out anywhere you like between turns 1 and 9, as long as you stay on the outside of the track. This is an extremely popular option at this venue, and rightly so. The unique viewing angles available are completely different from any of the grandstands.

The bronze GA option is slightly more restricted – it is located on the inside of turn 13, and while the atmosphere here is great and the view respectable, it doesn’t quite match the level of freedom associated with the more expensive general admission option.

There’s a plethora of food and drink stalls within the general admission areas, along with toilets and merchandise zones. The gold GA pass is most certainly one of the best choices for fans at Zandvoort, especially if you are one of those who also craves that added level of freedom to go where you please.

What is the best stand at the Dutch F1?

I would recommend the Tarzan In Grandstand as you get not only some decent views of the start, the pits and the winner crossing the line, but also the incredible atmosphere. The Dutch fans know how to party so you’ll get the most out of your race weekend here.

How to get to the Zandvoort Circuit?

So now you know where to sit! You now need to know how to get to Zandvoort so you can enjoy the full Dutch Grand Prix weekend. We’ve written a detailed guide on all the transport options to the circuit. From nearest airport and international flight options, to road trips, train journeys and coaches too. We’ve even found some of the best hotels in Zandvoort that are well worth a look.