BWT ALPINE F1 TEAM’S GUIDE TO THE NETHERLANDS: WHAT TO SEE, EAT, AND DO IN AMSTERDAM AND ZANDVOORT

Zandvoort has been home to the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix since the 1950’s with its nostalgic seaside culture as the perfect backdrop to some of the fastest racing on Earth. Beyond the thrill of the bustling streets of Amsterdam and the exhilarating speed of a Formula 1 race weekend in Zandvoort, the vibrant history and picturesque sights of the Netherlands make for an unforgettable experience both on and off the track.

Make the most of your visit with our tips and recommendations for enjoying your stay in the Netherlands.

KEY INFO

Language: Dutch, English
Time Zone: Central European Summer Time (CEST), (BST +1, GMT +2)
In Emergency: Call 112
Weather: In late August you can expect daily temperatures to average between 20-25°C / 68-77°F. There may be some light rainfall, but it's not typically heavy in August.
Getting Around: Trains, buses, cycling lanes and trams make navigating the well-connected transport options in the Netherlands a breeze. A 30-minute train ride links Amsterdam and Zandvoort, or a swift bus ride for a more scenic route from the city to the track. Check the NS website for schedules and tickets or visit Amsterdam's GVB to plan tram and metro travel.
Top tip: download CityMapper to help you plan the most timely and cost-effective journeys.

AT THE TRACK

Track Action: Alpine Academy drivers Jack Doohan (Invicta Virtuosi) and Victor Martins (ART Grand Prix) will be competing in Round 12 of the FIA Formula 2 Championship at the Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix.

Fan Activations: Catch Esteban and Pierre at the Formula 1 Fan Forum on Saturday 26 August from 18:00*.

EXPERIENCE THE NETHERLANDS

If you are sticking around after the race to enjoy all that the Netherlands has to offer or if you have some time to explore before heading to the track, here are a few recommendations for the best way to experience Zandvoort – with a necessary pitstop through the bustling city of Amsterdam.

● Zandvoort Beach is the perfect seaside getaway before or after the race weekend. Take a dip in the North Sea, enjoy a bike ride along this picturesque beach town or consider this your go-to location for beachfront bars, beach clubs and restaurants. We hear Ubuntu Beach and Hippie Fish serve up relaxed vibes and delicious meals, while Bernie's Beach Club offers multiple pools, sunbeds and iconic Grand Prix parties taking place over the race weekend.
● Stroll through Amsterdam’s iconic Canal District by boat or foot before spending the day discovering the historic charm of the city’s 17th-century architecture. Visit some of the city’s well-known museums like the Rijksmuseum, Anne Frank House, or the Van Gogh Museum and take in the sprawling green oasis of Vondelpark before leaving.
● Explore the stunning Zuid-Kennemerland National Park near Zandvoort through its hiking and biking trails for breath-taking views and diverse wildlife. If you’re spending more time in Amsterdam, visit the Hortus Botanicus for your fix of relaxing gardens and beautiful walkways.

FOOD & DRINK IN AMSTERDAM

● You can’t visit the Netherlands without stopping by Van Wonderen Stroopwafel or enjoying the hundreds of indulgent street food and take-away style eateries. For a little bit of everything, try the best fries in town at Fabel Friet, picnic-on-the-canal worthy pizza at Pizzeria DOPE, and some of the most famous cookies in town at Van Stapele (we hear they only make 3,000 a day, so act fast!). Stop by Zero Zero for Italian style sandwiches, coffee and produce or check out Flo’s Appetizing Amsterdam for hand-rolled bagels. Foodhallen Amsterdam is a street food haven with over 20 food stands to try, perfect for big groups and good vibes.
● For brunch, stop by The Breakfast Club Amsterdam for their famous all-day breakfast menu. Bakers & Roasters offers a blend of New Zealand café culture and Brazilian gastronomy and Zoku Amsterdam has a stunning rooftop restaurant boasting an all-you-can-eat breakfast spread. If you’re scouring the city for the perfect cup of coffee, try TOKI, The Coffee District, Screaming Beans Coffee and Scandinavian Embassy.
● Lunch and dinner options in Amsterdam are as diverse as they are delicious. With multiple locations around the city, make use of George Amsterdam's sunny terraces and delicious breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Try Italian cuisine at Ceppi's Trattoria, Amsterdam’s first homemade Japanese Udon at Fou Fow Udon, and indulgent Indian dishes at Dutch Dabbawala. For a local seasonal menu stop by Buffet van Odette – we hear the sticky toffee pudding is to die for.
● For post-race drinks in the city enjoy Café 't Smalle on the banks of the canal; for no-fuss food and drinks try Proeflokaal ‘t Blauwe Theehuis and for cocktails stop by Café Panache, Door 74 or Flying Dutchmen Cocktails

Be sure to keep an eye out for BWT Alpine F1 Team colours on track this weekend. A full timetable* for the race weekend is listed below, all in local time (CEST):

Friday 25 August

• Formula 2 Free Practice 10:05-10:50
• Formula 1 FP1 12:30-13:30
• Formula 2 Qualifying 14:00-14:30
• Formula 1 FP2 16:00-17:00

Saturday 26 August

• Formula 1 FP3 11:30-12:30
• Formula 2 Sprint Race 13:15-14:00
• Formula 1 Qualifying 15:00-16:00

Sunday 27 August

• Formula 2 Feature Race 10:00-11:00
• Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix 15:00 (72 laps)

*These timings are subject to change.