A blast from the past returns this weekend as F1 travels to the Zandvoort Circuit for the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985. The circuit is is set just north of Zandvoort alongside the sand dunes of the North Sea coast. Sand from the dunes sometimes blows onto the circuit affecting grip, something not seen outside of middle eastern tracks. While the layout has changed since 1985, Zandvoort remains a compact and relatively short track. Turns 3 and 14 have been re-profiled with 19 degree banking which, for perspective, is roughly double that of Indianapolis.
Like most teams Red Bull will be entering the weekend wondering, “What just happened?” as we saw one of the oddest Grands Prix in rain-soaked Belgium. Nevertheless the team will take the half-points awarded as it helps close the gap to Mercedes. Zandvoort is Max Verstappen’s home track and he has some experience here so we can call him a favorite for the win. On the AlphaTauri side we can expect one car in the points.
Elsewhere on the grid, we should not underestimate Mercedes’ ability to take the pre-race track data and prepare for a strong result as they’ve done it before. Following Mercedes look for a McLaren followed closely by both Ferraris. Next look for one of the Alpine cars doing battle with the team car from McLaren. Next we can expect the duo from Aston Martin split by the team Alpine. After that expect Williams and Alfa Romeo to be mixing it up. Finally, the pair of Haas cars will bring up the rear.
US TV SCHEDULE
Practice 1 – Friday, September 3 – 5.25AM – ESPN2
Practice 2 – Friday, September 3- 8.55AM –
ESPNU
Practice 3 – Saturday, September 4 – 5.55AM – ESPN2
Qualifying – Saturday, September 4 – 8.55AM –
ESPNU
Pre-race show – Sunday, September 5 – 7.30AM – ESPN2
Dutch Grand Prix – Sunday, September 5 – 8.55AM – ESPN2
Post-race show – Sunday, September 5 – 11AM – ESPN3
CIRCUIT INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 4.259km (2.646 miles)
Race laps: 72
Race distance: 306.648km (191.415 miles)
Pole position: Right-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’31.977 by Mike Cantillon, 2020 (F1 Historic race)
Fastest lap:
TBC
Maximum speed: 310kph (192mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Pit straight
Distance from grid to turn one: TBCm
Car performance
Full throttle: 69%
Longest flat-out section: TBCm
Downforce level: High
Gear changes per lap:
TBC
Fuel use per lap: TBCkg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: TBCs
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop:
TBC
2021 tyres: Hard (C1), Medium (C2), Soft (C3)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
CURRENT STANDINGS
Drivers
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 202.5
2. Max Verstappen, Red Bull, 199.5
3. Lando Norris, McLaren, 113
4. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes, 108
5. Sergio Perez, Red Bull, 104
6. Carlos Sainz, Ferrari, 83.5
7. Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, 82
8. Daniel Ricciardo, McLaren, 56
9. Pierre Gasly, AlphaTauri, 54
10. Esteban Ocon, Alpine, 42
11. Fernando Alonso, Alpine, 38
12. Sebastian Vettel, Aston Martin, 35
13. Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri, 18
14. Lance Stroll, Aston Martin, 18
15. George Russell, Williams, 13
16. Nicholas Latifi, Williams, 7
17. Kimi Raikkonen, Alfa Romeo, 2
18. Antonio Giovinazzi, Alfa Romeo, 1
19. Mick Schumacher, Haas, 0
20. Nikita Mazepin, Haas, 0
Constructors
1. Mercedes, 310
2. Red Bull, 303
3. McLaren, 169
4. Ferrari, 165
5. Alpine, 80
6. AlphaTauri, 72
7. Aston Martin, 53
8. Williams, 20
9. Alfa Romeo, 3
10. Haas, 0
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