Zandvoort deluged by thunderstorm as Dutch GP weather fears grow

Just what impact will the weather have on the Dutch Grand Prix weekend?

That is the question being asked after the Zandvoort circuit was hit by a significant thunderstorm at approximately 1:45 p.m. local time on Friday, leaving clear signs of its intensity across the venue.

Large pools of water collected throughout the paddock, whilst an access tunnel underneath the circuit was completely flooded. The downpour rendered the tunnel impassable on foot, forcing organisers to use golf karts to transport people from one side of the track to the other.

Although the worst of the rain appeared to have passed within 15 minutes, its effects were immediate for those present. Light rain then continued to fall, although a dry spell is expected later in the afternoon.

The heavy shower will undoubtedly raise concerns about what is to come over the remainder of the weekend. While a degree of rain can often add an element of unpredictability to a grand prix, too much could threaten its running altogether, as was painfully demonstrated at the 2021 Belgian event.

Check out the images of the flooded tunnel at Circuit Zandvoort below.