Lewis Hamilton says he "doesn't get" why new Formula 1 tracks are not designed in a similar way to Dutch Grand Prix venue Zandvoort. The John Hugenholtz designed venue reappeared on the calendar in 2021 as F1 looked to capitalise on the Max Verstappen-effect - although it had been heavily modified since the last race in 1985. A tight, twisty, technical circuit, Zandvoort now featured heavily banked corners at Turns 3 and 14 - something not previously seen in F1, Indianapolis excepted. And Hamilton who finished fourth in the race after poor late strategy calls from himself and Mercedes wants similar challenges to the Dutch coastal track.
Zandvoort is a great challenge
Hamilton had previously raced at Zandvoort in junior categories back in Formula 3 in 2005, claiming victory in the second race. He beat home a certain Sebastian Vettel that day, and believes F1 should embrace what Zandvoort offers drivers. "The weather is good here, the track is on the beach, and it's a really cool, classic old-school track," he explained to media including RacingNews365.com. "They don't make tracks like this anymore, [I've] no idea why. I really don't get that. "Why don't they make cool, banked corners like this with ups and downs? "I need to start designing tracks!"
Hamilton got warm reception
The Dutch GP weekend was the first race in the Netherlands since the 2021 title decider in Abu Dhabi where Verstappen won the world title in controversial circumstances against Hamilton after the bitter fight for the crown. However, Hamilton says that Verstappen fans at Zandvoort is no different to his at Silverstone. "I love the fans, regardless of who they support. "I love the energy the fans bring to whatever sport, such as watching the [US Open] Tennis right now. "It doesn't matter who they support, they bring the energy and the atmosphere and this Max's home Grand Prix. "He'll probably feel something similar to what I feel at the British Grand Prix and we're seeing them in masses than ever before, and that's awesome."
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