Dutch GP and Portuguese GP compared ahead of Zandvoort's final F1 race and there's a clear winner

Zandvoort will host the Dutch Grand Prix for the final time under its current contract this weekend.

The 4.259-kilometre circuit returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021, having initially been due to return in 2020 before the Dutch Grand Prix was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A new deal was signed the following year to keep Zandvoort on the calendar until 2025, with a one-year extension agreed to cover 2026.

But the Dutch Grand Prix will not return for 2027, instead being replaced by the Portuguese Grand Prix on a multi-year contract.

F1 agreed to host a Grand Prix at the Algarve International Circuit in 2020, with the track retained for the 2021 calendar before being dropped again.

The popular circuit, also referred to as Portimao, will return for both the 2027 and 2028 schedules - and potentially beyond.

But how does the Dutch and Portuguese Grands Prix - at their current venues - compare? Let's take a look:

Quality of races in recent past

The 2023 Dutch Grand Prix was one of the highlights of the season, with over 50 overtakes due - in large part - to changeable conditions.

Last year's race saw plenty of drama, with both Ferraris retiring from the race, while Oscar Piastri led from pole.

At Portimao, meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton memorably won the 2021 race by completing a superb overtake on Max Verstappen before then passing Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas.

Dutch Grand Prix (score out of 10) - 6

Portuguese Grand Prix (score out of 10) - 8

Overtaking

Zandvoort does offer overtaking opportunities across the 4.259-kilometre circuit, particularly at the first corner, though overtakes are generally hard to come by in dry conditions.

The track is narrow throughout most of its configuration, and changes in incline make it hard to follow through turn nine and 10, which is where the second main overtaking opportunity opens up.

Portimao is different. Though a lot of modern F1 circuits aren't exactly great spectacles when it comes to overtaking, the unique nature and design of the Algarve circuit opens up a number of possibilities.

The long pit straight makes a pass into turn one a more than genuine opening, while the sharp downhill section heading into turn seven can also catch drivers out. The turn 13 hairpin also offers an overtaking opportunity.

Dutch Grand Prix (score out of 10) - 5

Portuguese Grand Prix (score out of 10) - 8

Atmosphere

The Dutch Grand Prix, of course, is the home race of Red Bull's Max Verstappen, meaning the 'Orange Army' pack out the stands at the Zandvoort.

Only three Portuguese drivers have ever started a race in Formula 1, with the last being Tiago Monteiro in 2006. Monteiro is the only driver from Portugal to step on to the podium, having finished third in the controversial 2005 United States Grand Prix in which only six cars and three teams took part.

Dutch Grand Prix (score out of 10) - 9

Portuguese Grand Prix (score out of 10) - 6

History

The first race of any kind at Zandvoort took place before the Second World War, in June 1939.

It was part of the F1 calendar for the sport's inaugural season in 1950, though was held as a non-championship race up until 1953.

In 1955, it was held as an F1 race for the first time, with a gap of two years following before Zandvoort returned to the calendar as a permanent fixture between 1958 and 1985.

During its 36-year absence from Formula 1, Zandvoort was almost entirely redesigned, with only the pit straight and banked turn three corners remaining from the original layout.

Portimao, meanwhile, has only hosted two F1 races since being officially opened 19 years ago.

Dutch Grand Prix (score out of 10) - 8

Portuguese Grand Prix (score out of 10) - 5

Suitability for modern F1

Zandvoort, in its modern guise, has proven to be a valuable addition to the Formula 1 calendar, while still possessing a number of its more old-fashioned features.

The relatively short pit straight is one of its few issues, though it remains to be seen whether drivers can utilise Overtake Mode and their battery effectively to complete overtakes this weekend.

It also allows fans to be closer to the action than at some newer circuits.

Portimao, meanwhile, offers a host of overtaking possibilities, particularly into turn one, and the fact that it was only opened back in 2008 means it is more than capable of coping with the demands of modern Formula 1.

One of the criticisms of the circuit was that drivers couldn't follow closely through the middle sector, though that phenomenon has improved for the better with the newer cars and should prove to be different in 2027.

Dutch Grand Prix (score out of 10) - 6

Portuguese Grand Prix (score out of 10) - 8

Total scores

Dutch Grand Prix - 34/50

Portuguese Grand Prix - 35/50