The summer time break is over and F1 is BACK. Right here’s the state of play as we descend on Zandvoort
Effectively that glided by rapidly, didn’t it? Simply 4 quick weeks after the Belgian Grand Prix, F1’s summer time shutdown is formally over and racing resumes on the Dutch coastal city of Zandvoort this weekend.
Issues couldn’t be going higher for the native hero: Max Verstappen has gained 10 out of 12 races in 2023 and he leads the drivers’ standings by 125 factors. In truth, if he had been a one-man workforce he’d be profitable the constructors’ title all on his personal too. Yikes.
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With a 3rd world championship purely a formality and a automotive extra dominant than some other that’s gone earlier than it, we should look additional down the grid for the joy and drama.
Can Lewis Hamilton overhaul Fernando Alonso within the not-driving-a-Crimson-Bull world championship? Can McLaren proceed to impress having began the season with a automotive displaying the efficiency pedigree of a cinder block? Can Ferrari get by way of a single race with out making howlers worthy of The Play That Goes Fallacious?
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What time is the Dutch GP? And what time is qualifying?
The Dutch Grand Prix begins at 2pm UK time on Sunday 27 August; qualifying begins on the identical time on Saturday.
Hardcore sufficient for the observe periods? FP1 and FP2 happen at 11:30am and 2pm on Friday 25 August, with FP3 beginning a number of hours earlier than quali at 10:30am on Saturday.
What’s the climate going to be like?
As we sit right here typing this a number of days earlier than the race, it seems like moist climate could possibly be an element over the weekend. But once more. What number of is that in a row now the place rain has been forecast at some stage?
Temperatures look set to be cool (within the area of 18-21 levels Celsius), with persistent rain showers sweeping over the circuit between observe and the race. All eyes on the meteorologists…
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The place is the Dutch GP happening?
The Dutch Grand Prix is being held at Zandvoort, a seaside city a number of miles from Amsterdam. It returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 after an absence of 36 years, having been a mainstay for the reason that late Fifties. Since its comeback solely Verstappen has gained right here… has anybody defined to ticket holders that this isn’t really assured by the small print?
What number of laps is the Dutch GP?
The Dutch GP is 72 laps lengthy, one of many longest on the calendar owing to the comparatively quick 4.259km (2.646mi) circuit. A lot of corners crammed into that distance although: 14 in whole, together with a few old fashioned banked turns within the first and closing sectors. Many Gs shall be pulled.
Who’s going to win the Dutch GP?
Ugh, if solely we may inform you that it’s anybody’s race. However except Max Verstappen has had his expertise stolen by Looney Tunes villains over the summer time break (sure, that’s a House Jam reference) he will likely be just about unstoppable on Sunday. His solely practical opponents are mechanical DNFs and taking a incorrect flip as a result of one of many followers has let off their smoke canister on the incorrect second.
Who’ll be part of him on the rostrum? Now that’s anybody’s guess. Teammate Sergio Perez has one of the best instruments, however Lando Norris is a robust shout with a resurgent McLaren, as is Oscar Piastri. Mercedes and Ferrari will likely be sturdy shouts too, and perhaps Aston Martin if the workforce can rediscover its kind.
How can I watch the Dutch GP?
UK viewers can both watch it stay on Sky Sports activities, or with a Now TV subscription. All different choices are far too unlawful to inform you about.
Should you’re completely happy to attend for the highlights then Channel 4’s free-to-air protection of qualifying begins at 6.45pm on Saturday, with a race round-up on Sunday from 6.30pm. Failing that, stay commentary will likely be obtainable on BBC Radio 5 Sports activities Further from 1.45pm onwards.
What’s the High Gear view on the Dutch GP?
The Dutch Grand Prix has been a improbable addition to the F1 calendar since its return to the fold two years in the past: the circuit is technical and unforgiving, and the help from the Dutch followers is staggering. Bear in mind Germany had a world champion to root for in Sebastian Vettel not way back and but the German GP nonetheless died due to native apathy, one thing the Verstappen-ites (or Max Massives?) aren’t going to endure from any time quickly. Now, if solely we may have a decent battle for the win…
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