14:48
The route
The 4.259-kilometre circuit is laid out in the dunes and, despite being modified, is considered to be the old-school route on the calendar. It is characterized by numerous gravel traps and narrow passages, but as a result there are few overtaking opportunities. The last corner has been converted into a banked corner for the Formula 1 return in 2021, which has a banked curve of around 19 degrees. Curve 3 has also had an incline since the renovation.
14:44
What’s up for Hulkenberg?
Nico Hulkenberg was able to announce his contract extension with Haas before the weekend. There was little positive to report for the German over the weekend itself. On Friday, Hülkenberg crashed the Haas, which was difficult to drive, and on Saturday morning, in the wet, only 15th place was possible.
14:39
Ricciardo is absent from the second training session after an accident
Formula 1 has to do without Daniel Ricciardo for the time being, because after a fracture of the metacarpal the Australian cannot take part in the race in Zandvoort. Ricciardo sustained the injury in the second training session. There he had driven into the barrier in turn 3 to avoid driving into the McLaren of Piastri that had crashed in front of him. The result was a slight impact from the AlphaTauri pilot in the barriers, where Ricciardo made a serious mistake. Contrary to what is important in such situations, he didn’t take his hands off the wheel and received a tremendous smack on the hand. Liam Lawsen, for whom it is the first Formula 1 race, will step in for him.
14:35
Who is behind it?
Behind the dominating Red Bull, the field in Formula 1 is open and no team has yet been able to establish itself as the clear number two. McLaren wants to excel once again. After a difficult start to the season, the team was able to come back to Silverstone and post strong performances, and in Zandvoort Lando Norris landed just ahead of Verstappen in the second practice session. For their part, Aston Martin is keen to continue the performances from the start of the season, while Mercedes and Ferrari are struggling to regain sustained pressure at the front.
14:29
Everyone chases Verstappen
Max Verstappen travels to his home Grand Prix with a huge lead in the World Championship and a lot of self-confidence. The Red Bull driver dominates the season at will, winning even when he doesn’t start from the front. With nine wins in a row, it should be clear who you have to pass on the Zandvoort circuit in the dunes in order to win the Grand Prix. Verstappen underlined this again in the training sessions and was in good shape on both the dry and wet tracks.
14:23
Welcome!
Hello and welcome to the Formula 1 qualifying in Zandvoort. It starts at 3:00 p.m.!