Mercedes "relishing" challenge of "old-school" Zandvoort

Dutch Grand Prix

Mercedes "relishing" challenge of "old-school" Zandvoort

Zandvoort hasn't featured on the F1 calendar since 1985

Ewan Gale

Wednesday 1 September 2021 18:05

Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff says his team is "relishing" the challenge of taking on the "old-school" Zandvoort circuit on its return to F1.

The sport last raced at the Dutch venue in 1985 and has since been reprofiled, first with a layout change in the late 1990s and then with banking added to multiple corners in preparation for F1's return.

Mercedes had its lead cut in both championships at the rain-affected Belgian Grand Prix but Wolff is excited to see who holds the upper hand this weekend.

"F1 returns to Zandvoort this weekend for the first time in several decades," said Wolff.

"It's an exciting track for the drivers because it is fast and flowing. It feels like a proper old-school track, so I am sure they are looking forward to taking on that challenge. "As a team, we're relishing the challenge of tackling a new track, because it is new for everyone and that means fresh opportunities to find an advantage.

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"So we'll be looking to hit the ground running on Friday and take the fight to our competitors. It will be exciting to see who comes out on top."

F1 must close book on 'unsatisfying' Belgian GP

The Belgian Grand Prix was curtailed by heavy rain which limited the race to just two laps behind the safety car, with half points being awarded.

The result drew ire in the aftermath and Wolff said the sport must move on from the weekend.

"There's still a feeling of frustration that we couldn't race in Belgium last weekend," he added.

"We've never seen a situation like this, and the conditions were incredibly difficult out there, so it was just not safe to race. "If the weather had eased up, I think we would have been in for an incredible race for all the passionate and dedicated fans who were waiting in the rain.

"So, it isn't a satisfying feeling to leave Belgium with just a handful of laps behind the safety car, but it is what it is. We need to close that chapter and quickly move our focus to the next one. "We lost points in both Championships last weekend but thankfully, we don't have long to wait for an opportunity to extend those gaps, and that is an exciting prospect."