The circuit's origins date to the post-war era, with the first race at Zandvoort held on 7 August 1948. The layout was partly shaped by communications roads built during the German occupation, and an initial advisory role was played by 1927 Le Mans winner S. C. H. "Sammy" Davis. The Dutch Grand Prix, part of the Formula One World Championship, was held at Zandvoort consistently from 1955 to 1985 (with the exception of 1972). A financial collapse of the operating company in the late 1980s led to the formation of a new operating foundation and the creation of Circuit Park Zandvoort, which rebuilt the facility to an international standard by 2001.
The circuit's defining features include the Tarzanbocht hairpin at the end of the start/finish straight — named after a local character who reputedly agreed to give up his vegetable garden only if a corner was named in his honour — and the fast sweeping Scheivlak. After 2019 modifications in preparation for the return of the Formula One Dutch Grand Prix, banked sections were added to turn 3 (Hugenholtzbocht, 19 degrees) and turns 13/14 (Arie Luyendyk corner, 18 degrees), distinguishing the modern layout from the version that hosted Superbike events.
Circuit Park Zandvoort hosted the World Touring Car Championship in 2007, though its Superbike World Championship appearances occurred in the context of the circuit's broader international ambitions during the late 1990s and early 2000s when the rebuilt facility was establishing itself as a serious European venue. The circuit's international racing calendar during this period included several prestigious series, as the new pits building, grandstands along the main straight, and improved facilities attracted a range of championships.
The Zandvoort circuit's character — with its mix of fast, technically demanding sweepers, a prominent overtaking hairpin, and an intimate atmosphere generated by the natural bowl of the surrounding dunes — made it well suited to Superbike competition. The circuit's elevation change of 8.9 m contributes to varied riding conditions across the lap.
The current circuit measures 4.259 km and has been modified several times throughout its history. The layout as it stood during the Superbike era (1999–2019 configuration, 4.307 km) featured the Tarzan hairpin (turn 1), followed by Gerlach corner and the Hugenholtzbocht, before the circuit climbed and swept through Scheivlak and the later corners toward the banked Arie Luyendyk corner at the end of the lap. Corner names honour significant figures from Dutch motorsport history, including track director John Hugenholtz, driver Rikus Slotemaker, and IndyCar champion Arie Luyendyk.
During the early 2000s Circuit Park Zandvoort established itself as a hub for European motorsport, hosting the Masters of Formula 3 (originally the Marlboro Masters), DTM, A1 Grand Prix, and various other championships alongside Superbike rounds. The World Touring Car Championship visited Zandvoort in 2007 for the Race of the Netherlands, and the World Touring Car Cup returned in 2018 and 2019.
Following negotiations from 2018 onward, Zandvoort returned to the Formula One calendar in 2021 for the revived Dutch Grand Prix. The circuit was substantially modified for this return, with banked turns introduced by designer Jarno Zaffelli. The Formula One partnership runs through 2026. The circuit continues to host major European series including DTM, GT World Challenge Europe, and ADAC GT Masters, maintaining its status as the Netherlands' primary international racing venue.