Nico Hulkenberg: It’s hard to overtake at Zandvoort

The Dutch Grand Prix continues the Formula 1 season after the summer break. Haas drivers Nico Hulkenberg, who celebrates his 37th birthday today, and Kevin Magnussen spoke about the special features of Zandvoort.

Ayo Komatsuteam leader: “Zandvoort is an interesting and twisty circuit with elevation change, and the last corner is quite interesting. Other features include a combination of slow and medium corners. The circuit requires the car to be set up for high downforce, and overtaking is quite difficult here.

The atmosphere at Zandvoort is unique and more like a football stadium than a Formula 1 circuit, especially before the start of the race with the music and the Oranje Leger. It is all very different from what we are normally used to in Formula 1. I love the unique atmosphere and I am looking forward to racing again.”

Nico Hulkenberg: “I raced a lot at Zandvoort in the beginning of my career: I raced here in Formula BMW, in the A1 Grand Prix, in Formula 3, and I have fond memories of it, and the circuit is very familiar to me. In addition, I grew up close to the Dutch border, which is also a factor that makes this a special time for me.

The Orange Army creates a great atmosphere for one big party. The old school circuit itself is narrow and short, and overtaking is quite difficult. The circuit is small enough for modern Formula 1 cars, but still interesting and challenging.”

Kevin Magnussen: “There is a crazy atmosphere during the Dutch Grand Prix thanks to the Oranje Army, which makes up 99% of all fans in Zandvoort. An excellent circuit for Formula 1 – old school, where not much has changed since the seventies. I love racing at Zandvoort because it is a circuit for real racers and if you give it your all, you push the boundaries.

I’m rested and ready for the second half of the season.”