2024 Formula 1 Preview & Review.

[Fortitude]

Max Verstappen set for Lando Norris showdown as F1 rivals crank up the heat.
For the first time since 2021, F1 fans have a title fight to look forward to as summer break comes to a close. McLaren trail Red Bull by just 42 points ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix and they have momentum on their side.
Aug 18, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

“I think we can; we’re certainly going to try [to win both titles],” the McLaren Racing CEO told Sirius XM. “Obviously, the constructors’ is more within reach because of how many points are available at a weekend and the fact that they have only one car always performing at the front at the same time.

“But I think Sergio is capable of turning it on it at any time.” McLaren aren’t giving up on the Drivers’ Championship title either. Lando Norris is squaring up to a 78-point deficit heading into the final 10 races of the year. 2024 has been a breakthrough year for the Brit, but an inability to turn podiums into a steady stream of wins has cost him in his battle against the formidable Max Verstappen.

‘Showdown’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ando-Norris-F1


Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko sends warning over car ahead of F1 restart as he admits he's concerned issues 'will not be resolved in time' for the Dutch Grand Prix
19 August 2024
Matthew Mcevoy
MailOnline

Red Bull's head of driver development and key advisor, Helmut Marko, has said he fears issues around the RB20 will not be ironed out ahead of the Dutch Grand Prix, this weekend. According to The Mirror, Marko claims problems with the car's balance and speed have still not been addressed fully by the constructor's technical and mechanical teams.

He said Red Bull 'no longer have balance in the car', and that 'problems are likely to continue' ahead of Formula One's summer restart at Max Verstappen's home Grand Prix in Zandvoort. 'During the summer break, nothing happens for two weeks, which means that no work can be done on the car,' Marko wrote in an editorial for Speedweek.

'We have to solve our problems and find out where the problem lies, because we no longer have the balance in the car if you compare the current situation with the first three races. But it is difficult to estimate how quickly that will happen. I don't think that the big solution will come in Zandvoort.’

‘Car's balance and speed’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...rand-Prix.html


Perez changes race engineer with Red Bull for the Dutch Grand Prix
19 August 2024
Nicole Mulder
GPblog.com

GPblog can confirm that Perez will get another race engineer at Zandvoort. Bird is going on paternity leave and will be temporarily absent for that reason. Bird will still be present during the Dutch GP to supervise, but after that, he will not attend any Formula 1 races for the time being.

Performance engineer Richard Wood will take over Bird's duties for the time being and will, therefore, be heard on Perez's team radio from the F1 race at Circuit Zandvoort. Richard Cooke, performance engineer of the team's simulator, will in turn take over Wood's role. The new division of roles will apply for at least the next three races, up to and including the Singapore GP.

‘Perez changes race engineer’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29520...rand-prix.html


Red Bull expecting tough Dutch GP after recent RB20 struggles
19 Aug 2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

Verstappen, who has excelled at the track in recent years, will need to deliver a strong performance on Saturday afternoon to maximize his chances of victory on Sunday. “One thing is clear: qualifying at Zandvoort will be decisive, because overtaking is hardly possible there,” Marko added.

“And Max could well succeed in a good qualifying, because he has been good there recently. We were the fastest in Austria and also in Spa. In Hungary, only a few hundredths were missing – so we are already complaining at a high level.”

Marko acknowledged that finding a solution to the car's problems is crucial, but he doesn't expect a quick fix for the Dutch Grand Prix. “It’s difficult to estimate how quickly this will happen. I don't think the big solution will come in Zandvoort. We do intensive brainstorming and also have various ideas. But I can't say yet what we will implement and how.”

‘Tough Dutch GP’;

https://f1i.com/news/516571-red-bull...struggles.html


Wild Dutch GP weather forecast as rain threatens F1 return
In cooperation with WeerOnline, RacingNews365 presents the weather forecast for the 2024 F1 Dutch Grand Prix.
19 August 2024
Nick Golding
RacingNews365

Whether it is dry or wet, Friday will be the hottest day of the weekend with temperatures reaching 22 degrees Celsius. On Saturday, there is a significantly greater risk of rain than on Friday, with the strong wind from the southwest also set to remain present.

The exact timing of the rain is currently difficult to forecast, although the chance of a wet qualifying is high. Strong gusts of 60 km/h are expected whilst the temperature will struggle to reach 20 degrees Celsius.

Rain on Sunday is not expected, with the sun expected to be shining brightly for the race but still no warmer than around 20 degrees Celsius. However, due to the wind and the location of the circuit, it is impossible to completely rule out rain.

‘Wild Dutch GP weather forecast’;

https://racingnews365.com/wild-dutch...tens-f1-return


Thousands of tickets still available for Dutch Grand Prix, says F1 organizer
19August 2024
NL Times

There are still a few thousand tickets for sale for the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort this weekend, said a spokesperson for the organization behind the Formula 1 event. "In general, we are sold out," he explained, but there are still tickets being returned to the organization from various parties.

This includes resellers in the Netherlands and abroad who get the right to sell blocks of tickets themselves based on prior agreements. A recent lawsuit was filed against the Dutch Grand Prix by one of those reselling firms, Platinum Group.

The company expected to sell 35,000 tickets but was disappointed by the lack of sales. About 8,000 tickets from this company were returned to the organization behind the Dutch Grand Prix. A large part of these tickets have now been sold, said the spokesperson. "The interest remains undiminished."

‘Still a few thousand tickets for sale’;

https://nltimes.nl/2024/08/19/thousa...s-f1-organizer

[Fortitude]

Ferrari prepare crucial upgrades for Dutch GP.
Ferrari are set to bring an important upgrade package to Zandvoort, designed to correct previous missteps with the SF-24.
August 19, 2024
Jaden Diaz-Ndisang
Last Word On Sports

As reported by it.motorsport.com, Ferrari are ready to debut a new floor. Maranello’s technical department has made modifications to address the rear instability that has plagued the SF-24 in recent months. Changes to airflow at the rear suspension and diffuser should make a difference this weekend.

The aim is to give Leclerc and Sainz a more predictable baseline, unlocking more performance and – simultaneously – driver confidence. A critical juncture for Fred Vasseur’s team. These upgrades are critical for several reasons. In the short-term, the updates will determine if Ferrari can re-assert themselves in the battle against Red Bull, Mercedes and McLaren.

The Italian squad must reverse the trajectory that has seen them become the fourth-fastest team. Arguably more pressingly, Ferrari’s next changes will impact their success in 2025. Like most teams, the Scuderia are formulating their package for next season.

‘Crucial upgrades’;

https://lastwordonsports.com/motorsp...-for-dutch-gp/


Vasseur reveals Ferrari target ahead of Dutch GP
Frederic Vasseur has stated his expectations for Ferrari at the Dutch Grand Prix, as F1 returns at Zandvoort from its summer break.
19 August 2024
Samuel Coop & Aaron Deckers

The 56-year-old also revealed Ferrari's target at the last grand prix prior to the summer shutdown will remain unchanged when F1 returns, at the Dutch Grand Prix - something it only partly achieved. "To fix the bouncing is a step in performance," Vasseur told media including RacingNews365 when asked about Ferrari's planned upgrades to combat bouncing and if there would be any performance benefit.

"We are pushing like hell to bring something and we'll do it as soon as possible. We have also a good segment of tracks for us with Monza, Baku and Singapore - good tracks for the characteristics of the car.”

"The most important is to score points and it was the target coming to Spa-Francorchamps to not lose points on McLaren and Red Bull, and it will be the same target in Zandvoort, because I'm convinced the next three or four races after these two [Hungary and Belgium] will be much better for us."

‘Ferrari target’;

https://racingnews365.com/vasseur-re...ad-of-dutch-gp


Ferrari reserve to get rare F1 outing in Dutch GP practice
It will be the first time the Ferrari reserve driver has taken part in a grand prix weekend since the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix.
20 August 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365.com

Ferrari reserve Robert Shwartzman will get his first F1 outing in a year in practice for the Dutch Grand Prix. The Russian-born driver who now races under an Israeli licence will drive for the Stake F1 team at Zandvoort, 12 months on from his last outing at the same track for the main Ferrari squad.

He will replace Valtteri Bottas. Shwartzman, once tipped as a potential F1 driver, now races with AF Corse in the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship - and is the 2019 Formula 3 champion.

It will be the fifth time Shwartzman will have taken part in an FP1 session, having done so for Ferrari at the 2022 United States and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix. He repeated that at the 2023 Dutch and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix, deputising for Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in the mandatory FP1 rookie driver sessions.

‘Rare F1 outing’;

https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-re...ch-gp-practice


IT'S RACE WEEK: 5 storylines we're excited about ahead of the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix
19 August 2024
Special Contributor: Chris Medland
Formula One - Official Site

Don’t worry everyone, the wait is over and Formula 1 is back this weekend with the return of racing after the August shutdown. There have been a number of developments since the last race in Belgium, so here are a few talking points that are likely to be covered as the paddock reconvenes at Zandvoort.

A party atmosphere at Zandvoort. What a race to return with as well, as Zandvoort always ensures F1 returns in eye-catching fashion after four weeks without a Grand Prix. Passionate and energetic fans, plenty of entertainment and atmosphere, and a fun track layout all add up to a spectacular weekend, with the weather also adding to the drama last year.

Despite a huge challenge for the teams to handle, heavy rain at the start of the 2023 race could not bring an end to Max Verstappen’s dominance of his home event, as he won from pole position at Zandvoort for the third straight year.

‘Party atmosphere at Zandvoort’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...B5LhXNWwIExJaV


Max looks ahead to Dutch GP: 'Hopefully fighting for the win'
20 August 2024
Niels Hendrix
Verstappen.nl

After a well-deserved summer break, Max Verstappen is looking ahead to the Dutch Grand Prix, coming weekend at Circuit Zandvoort. The Dutchman says: “It was good to spend some time relaxing with family and friends over the summer break and we are feeling refreshed and ready for the second half of the season.”

Max adds: “It is great to start it back at my home race. It is always a fantastic atmosphere, and the fans are incredible, so it is a special one for me. It is a great circuit, with its short straights and narrow track and hopefully we can come back even stronger for this race. We are looking forward to the week ahead and hopefully we can be fighting for the win.”

‘Fighting for the win’;

https://news.verstappen.com/en/article/5560/


Sergio Perez sends defiant social media message after surviving Red Bull vote of confidence
15 August 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Sergio Perez will continue to fight for his Formula 1 future when the season resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix at the end of next week. Liberty Media intervened to help Perez, pointing out that there would be a huge drop in revenue at the Mexico City Grand Prix in October if he lost his place on the grid. Mexican tycoon Carlos Slim also played a role in the 34-year-old staying put.

The team feel as if Perez isn’t solely to blame for his recent struggles. They want to make changes to his car in the hope of extracting an improvement. Sergio Perez expects to see out the season with Red Bull. Writing on his X account, Perez issued a defiant message. He sounded like a man who fully expects to be driving for Red Bull come the season finale in Abu Dhabi.

“Already miss being out on track,” he wrote in a post that was accompanied by footage of his fastest lap from Spa. “We’ll go all out for the second half of the season.”
Already miss being on track.
We’ll go all out for the second half of the season ��

Ya se extraña estar en la pista.
Vamos con todo para la segunda parte de la temporada �� pic.twitter.com/SimEWRzuYR
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) August 13, 2024
View Tweet

‘Fully expects to be driving for Red Bull come the season finale in Abu Dhabi’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/ser...of-confidence/

[Fortitude]

Wolff not relaxing after recent success: 'Can close the gap on the leaders'.
Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is therefore looking forward to the second half of the season and the Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
20 August 2024
Sandy van Wijngaarden
GPblog.com

Looking ahead to the Dutch Grand Prix, Wolff agreed with the progress his team has made. "We are ready to race again at Zandvoort this weekend. Before the summer break, we built momentum with an improved car and stronger results. We want to continue that progress in the last 10 races of the season."

The Austrian does realise that the team is not quite where it wants to be yet. "We know we still have a lot to make up for. We are not yet able to compete for victory at every Grand Prix. However, we have made good steps in improving the W15's weaknesses and we will continue to work hard to get more. If we succeed, we will close the gap to the leaders in both championships,'' Wolff said.

The Mercedes team boss is looking forward to the race in the Netherlands, partly because of the fans. ''Zandvoort is a challenging circuit. With its sloping corners, high-speed sections and narrow layout, it has an old-fashioned feel. The passionate Dutch fans always create a great atmosphere. It is a good place to get back to work and we are excited about the challenges ahead for the rest of the season."

"We are ready to race again”;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29534...-mercedes.html


Dutch Grand Prix weather forecast suggests F1 drivers race a ‘turbulent mess’ this weekend
20 August 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

Wind and rain could cause Dutch GP chaos for Max Verstappen and F1 rivals. According to RacingNews365 NL, there will be rain on all three days at Zandvoort. It will be heaviest on Saturday, with five millimetres expected. It will also be of a moderate intensity on Friday (4mm) before lighter rain on Sunday (2mm). It remains to be seen what impact this has on the F1 running.

The wind could also be an important factor. The gust intensity will reach five on the Beaufort scale on all three days, which is the equivalent of nine to 11 metres per second. That may not sound significant, but it’s worth remembering that the Zandvoort circuit is stationed on the North Sea coastline. No wonder, then, that podcast host Joris Mosterdijk foresees ‘a turbulent mess’.

‘Turbulent mess’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/dut...ecast-emerges/


F1 Today | Information about Dutch Grand Prix weekend starts to leak
20 August 2024
Editor-in-Chief: Matt Gretton
GPblog.com

Hype is building quickly for the Dutch Grand Prix weekend in Zandvoort, and little snippets of information have started to emerge.

The Mercedes team showed a strong upward trend in results at the end of the first half of the season. Lewis Hamilton won in England and Belgium and George Russell won in Austria. Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff is therefore looking forward to the second half of the season and the Grand Prix at Zandvoort. He has eyes on the top of the World Championship.

The F1 teams' factories were closed for 14 consecutive days during the summer break, so there was little opportunity to work on new parts. Nevertheless, some teams probably have found improvement points and solutions during the short period that they were allowed to work on their cars. The Visa Cash App RB team will also introduce some updates for the Dutch Grand Prix, the team announced.

‘Information starts to leak’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29533...s-to-leak.html


Report: The FIA rule change that could hurt McLaren and Mercedes at the Dutch Grand Prix
20 August 2024
David Comerford
F1 Oversteer

FIA asymmetric braking rule could impact McLaren and Mercedes at Zandvoort. The FIA have made a potentially significant change to the regulations during the summer break. Under article 11.1.2, ‘any system or mechanism that can structurally or intentionally produce asymmetric braking for any axle is prohibited’.

According to Motorsport.com Netherlands, Mercedes and McLaren have been ‘linked to such cleverness’. There has been chatter about such systems featuring on their cars. The Dutch GP will demonstrate which teams, if any, are impacted by the clampdown. Each team is obliged to shut down their factory for two weeks during the break, but they can use the rest to work on their cars. At the last race in Belgium, the FIA used cameras to examine certain teams’ front wings. There’s no indication yet of any fresh moves to counter flexible bodywork.

‘FIA asymmetric braking rule’;

https://www.f1oversteer.com/news/the...ch-grand-prix/


Coulthard sends Verstappen warning ahead of Dutch GP
13-time grand prix winner David Coulthard spoke exclusively to RacingNews365.
20 August 2024
Jake Nichol & Joris Mosterdijk

Ex-Red Bull driver Coulthard believing the upgrade race will be key. "I don't because I think such is the pace of development that it will be whoever comes with the latest upgrade that really suits that track," Coulthard exclusively told RacingNews365 when asked if Verstappen should be considered favourite for the Dutch Grand Prix.

"It is a track where you need absolute commitment from the driver, where like Monaco, can bring you right into play. There's one thing that we know which is Max is always full attack, but his competitors are tough, you've got seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton back winning grands prix. McLaren has two young chargers, George Russell so the sport is incredibly competitive right now.”

“Max is always full attack”;

https://racingnews365.com/coulthard-...ad-of-dutch-gp


F1 Supercomputer predicts shock title winner with Max Verstappen set for Dutch Grand Prix misery
Aug 20, 2024
Callum McAvoy
Metro.co.uk

Red Bull will lose the Formula One constructors’ title this season with Max Verstappen set for Dutch Grand Prix misery, a Supercomputer has predicted. Final F1 championship Supercomputer prediction:

Drivers:
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 450 points
2. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 344
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 328
4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – 312
5. George Russell (Mercedes) – 277
6. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 245
7. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – 242
8. Sergio Perez (Red Bull) – 201
9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 64
10. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) – 43

Constructors:
1. McLaren – 672 points
2. Red Bull – 651
3. Mercedes – 589
4. Ferrari – 487
5. Aston Martin – 99
6. Haas – 78
7. RB – 46
8. Alpine – 32
9. Williams – 4
10. Sauber – 0

‘F1 Supercomputer predictions’;

https://metro.co.uk/2024/08/20/f1-su...o=newsnow-feed

[Fortitude]

Stella calls for McLaren 'resilience' in Red Bull title fight.
Stella is excited for F1's return and recognises that McLaren has a genuine shot at the title.
21 August 2024
Nick Golding
RacingNews365

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has called on the Woking-based outfit to be "resilient", ahead of Formula 1's return this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix. "With two weeks of shutdown over, we now return to racing with renewed energy," said Stella. "The Dutch fans always create a great atmosphere, which we can't wait to experience once again.”

"Zandvoort is a short, technical circuit, which poses a very different challenge to Spa or Monza. This weekend marks the start of a very busy period, with four races in five weeks. To ensure we maximise the opportunities ahead of us, we must be resilient, focused and work together closely as a team to extract maximum performance.”

'Resilience';

https://racingnews365.com/stella-cal...ll-title-fight


'Crucial race' awaits Ferrari in Zandvoort deciding their 2024 fate
21 August 2024
Editor: Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

Since their victory at the Monaco Grand Prix, Ferrari have struggled to compete for race wins in Formula One, while every rival of the Scuderia have won at least one Grand Prix in that time period. According to Sky Sports' lead commentator David Croft, very important weekends await the team of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.

"Now there's an upgrade package in Zandvoort, there's a new floor as part of that upgrade package. They have got to get rid of the bouncing, and if they don't, then the season is gone," Croft declared in Sky Sports F1 Podcast. "They can't run the car on the set up that they need to extract the maximum pace. Then Charles and Carlos are going to have a very sore head going home after the Italian GP."

Following the last weekend at Spa-Francorchamps, Ferrari's team principal explained that now, a better set of tracks on the schedule await his team. "So I think Zandvoort is a critical weekend for Ferrari: So if those upgrades work, brilliant, they are back in the ballpark, and we'll see what happens from there on in," Croft added.

‘Need to extract the maximum pace’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29542...2024-fate.html


Verstappen wants fourth win in a row at Dutch Grand Prix
21 August 2024
Sports Editor: Toby Lock
Milton Keynes Citizen

World championship leader Max Verstappen hopes he can make it four wins out of four at his home race when F1 returns this weekend. The Red Bull Racing man has won the Dutch Grand Prix every year since it’s return to the calendar in 2021.

“Zandvoort is always a fantastic atmosphere, and the fans are incredible, so it is a special one for me,” he said ahead of the weekend. “It is a great circuit, with its short straights and narrow track and hopefully we can come back even stronger for this race. We are looking forward to the week ahead and hopefully we can be fighting for the win.”

Team-mate Sergio Perez is looking for a much-improved second-half of the season, after enduring a torrid time thus far in 2024. He said: “I am looking forward to getting back in the car this weekend. The summer break was very important for everyone in the team and the whole sport, with so many races now everyone needs the rest and reset time more than ever.”

‘Wants fourth win in a row’;

https://www.miltonkeynes.co.uk/sport...d-prix-4750863


Dutch Grand Prix: F1 preview, times, predictions, stats
Aug 21, 2024
ESPN

What happened last year? Verstappen equalled Sebastian Vettel's record of nine consecutive F1 wins with his third at Zandvoort. Despite heavy downpours and a red flag caused by a crash in Turn One, Verstappen still finished 3.7 seconds ahead of Fernando Alonso in second to bolster Red Bull's dominant season.

Who's going to win? It's hard to look past Verstappen with the support of the Oranje army at his home race and his record of mopping up the last three races here. If he wins again he can storm ahead in the championship, but given the upturn in form by McLaren and Mercedes, it could be a tight battle on the seafront.

Friday
Free practice one: 11:30-12:30 BST
Free practice two: 3-4 p.m. BST
Saturday
Free practice three: 10:30-11:30 a.m. BST
Qualifying: 2-3 p.m. BST
Sunday
Race starts: 2 p.m. BST

‘Dutch Grand Prix’;

https://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id...tats-zandvoort


F1 2024 Dutch Grand Prix Preview - Is F1 Heading To Africa?
Aug 21, 2024
Motorsport.com

Stuart Codling and Ronald Vording join Bryn Lucas to discuss all the news that dropped during the Summer Break and preview the race itself. This includes the US Department of Justice opening an anti-trust investigation against Liberty Media after their refusal to let Andretti enter the sport, and the consideration of Rwanda joining the calendar in the future, potentially at the Dutch AND Belgian GP's expense.

‘Discussion’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/video/...africa/654110/


Why Zandvoort is a great example for the rest of the F1 tracks?
Aug 21, 2024
Corwin Kunst
GPblog.com

Last season, 98% of visitors chose sustainable transportation (bicycle, train or on foot) to the circuit and the DutchGP organisers expect to match or even exceed this percentage in 2024. More than 40,000 fans are expected to travel to Zandvoort by bike.

Moreover, the DutchGP has switched to a permanent green power grid, which has now also been extended to the F1 Hospitality Paddock. This has significantly reduced fuel consumption from 120,000 litres (2021) to 40,000 litres (2023). Combined with the switch to HVO100 ('Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil', a clean substitute for diesel), this has reduced the climate footprint by 94.5% in 2023 compared to the first year of the event.

Furthermore, together with Handicap.nl, the Grand Prix of the Netherlands offers special care facilities for people with disabilities. A custom-built 'hotel' at the venue offers accessible showers, toilets and medical areas. There is also an area along the straight accessible to disabled fans. Together with the Ambulance Wish Foundation, terminally ill patients will also be welcomed to fulfil their wish to attend an F1 event on Thursday with a special walk in the pit lane.

‘Great example’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29544...omponents.html


Dutch GP Weather: Latest forecast for 2024 F1 race at Zandvoort
21 August 2024
Adam Dickinson
Total Motorsport

The Circuit Zandvoort is within sight of the North Sea, meaning the prevailing easterly wind can be very strong, particularly affecting turn one and the elevated first sector.

However, the rollercoaster nature of the track nestled in the dunes means much of the 2.6-mile lap is shielded from bluster compared to somewhere flatter like Silverstone, even though that’s 100 kilometres away from the nearest beach rather than 100 metres.

Zandvoort has only been back on F1 calendar since 2021 but has already shown how quickly conditions can change and turn a grand prix on its head. And we certainly look set for meaningful wet running in the 2024 Dutch GP with rain forecast on two days and winds also on the cards.

‘Latest forecast’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/dut...ace-zandvoort/


What time is the Formula 1 2024 Dutch Grand Prix and how can I watch it?
21 August 2024
Formula One - Official Site

After a few weeks of downtime for the summer break, the F1 drivers and teams are all set to go racing again as the second half of the season kicks off with the Dutch Grand Prix.

The event will begin with FP1 and FP2 on Friday, August 23, followed by third practice and qualifying on Saturday, August 24, and then the 72-lap Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday, August 25.

‘Global Race Start Time Map’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...eeEhfKhj6DwWYI

[Fortitude]

Five things to watch as F1 returns for Dutch Grand Prix.
After a month off for the summer break, Formula One is back as fans, drivers, and teams descend on the seaside resort of Zandvoort for Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix.
22/08/2024
France 24

With 10 races to go, the championship is finely poised with Max Verstappen looking nervously over his shoulder at the chasing pack and competitors lining up to dethrone his Red Bull team from the constructors' crown.
Back to the Max? The biggest question is whether home favourite Verstappen can re-establish his dominance in front of his adoring Orange Army of fans.

McLaren resurgence: The main pretender to that crowd, 24-year-old British driver Norris, is enjoying a breakthrough year in a car that is much more competitive this season.
Sergio Perez: "I know what we can extract from the car in the coming weeks and we will do our best to maximise the second half of 2024," said Perez before the race.

'Musical seats': Since seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton announced a surprise switch to Ferrari for next season, speculation over his Mercedes spot has been at fever pitch.
Orange by the sea: Regardless of Verstappen's race fortunes, expect the traditional "sea of orange" from his fanatical Dutch fans at the Zandvoort track, a stone's throw from the beach.

‘Five things to watch’;

https://www.france24.com/en/live-new...tch-grand-prix


Dutch Grand Prix preview: what to look out for as F1 gears up for return
A number of on and off track stories will continue at Zandvoort
August 21, 2024
James Phillips
FormulaNerds

Verstappen to attempt to bury demons: In a shock by modern F1 standards, Max Verstappen is without a victory in four consecutive races. The RB20 is no longer the all-dominant car that started in 2024; the field has rapidly closed up. Mercedes and McLaren are now regular challengers to Red Bull, with McLaren arguably now having the faster car.

Tension at McLaren: Can Lando Norris rediscover his form? The question of whether McLaren can overhaul Red Bull will only be answered if McLaren can control its developing driver situation. The pace Oscar Piastri has threatened to unleash all season has arrived with a bang, with a stunning win in Hungary.

Can Mercedes make it three in a row? If Mercedes is in the mix for the win at the Dutch Grand Prix, it will be irreversible proof that the Silver Arrows are once again regular race winners. Lewis Hamilton’s experience helped the seven-time world champion to a popular win in front of his adoring fans at Silverstone. But the pace of the W15 in Spa proved the team is getting on top of the issues that have dogged it since ground-effect cars were introduced.

‘New Alpine Team Principal will want a quiet weekend’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/feature.../?nowprocket=1


Typical Dutch weather to plague Dutch GP at Zandvoort
RacingNews365 takes a look at the weather forecast for the Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.
21 August 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

High winds will move in from the North Sea, with rain in the morning with severe gusts of wind in open areas of up to 80kph - some 49.7mph, with the temperature around 21 degrees.

For Saturday's qualifying action, there is a chance of occasional rain but the wind will weaken, still blowing from the west - which is a cross-wind along the pit-straight from the left-to-right as the drivers look from the cockpit.

Temperatures will be around 20 degrees, with some chances of sunny weather breaking through, which will also move into Sunday's race day. There is a chance of a shower on Sunday morning, but current predictions are for a dry race, albeit on the cool side at about 19 degrees.

‘Typical Dutch weather’;

https://racingnews365.com/typical-du...p-at-zandvoort


Ferrari pinpoints 'vital' Dutch GP difference-maker
Frederic Vasseur has highlighted one key area he feels Ferrari must excel at in the Dutch Grand Prix.
22 August 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Looking ahead to F1's return from the summer break at Zandvoort, Vasseur has pinpointed qualifying as the key to unlocking the rest of Ferrari's weekend. "Just before the summer break, the team as a whole performed well in the Belgian Grand Prix, securing pole position and a podium finish with Charles, which was a real confidence booster," he said.

"Now we go racing once again at Zandvoort, a completely different track to Spa, being short, narrow and twisty. "Therefore, ensuring we do everything right, down to the last little detail, will be vital and qualifying will be especially important as overtaking is very difficult."

‘Dutch GP difference-maker’;

https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-pi...fference-maker


Why one F1 team will be donning a new name for the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix as Formula 1 returns after summer break
21 August 2024
Kim Morrissey
MailOnline

Gambling firm Stake bought the naming rights to the Switzerland-based Sauber Team ahead of this season, after their partnership deal with Alfa Romeo came to an end. However they will not be permitted to use their logos on the Zandvoort track and here is why.

What name will Stake F1 team use instead for the Dutch Grand Prix? Since Stake won't be able to use their name for this upcoming Grand Prix, they will operate under their alternative name Kick Sauber for the Dutch race.

This weekend won't be the only time this year we will witness Stake changing to Kick Sauber as Qatar also have a ban on gambling advertisements.

‘F1 team will be donning a new name’;

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/fo...mer-break.html


Why the Dutch GP is key to saving Williams’ F1 season
Williams will introduce upgrades at the Dutch Grand Prix, with the intention of further developments at Baku or Singapore.
21 August 2024
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365

The Dutch Grand Prix will be a pivotal weekend in Williams' F1 season, as it has now confirmed it will bring a sizeable upgrade to the round succeeding the summer break. A winter change in philosophy has allowed Williams to start incrementally stripping off weight from the chassis, which would not have been possible under the previous concept.

Vowles has mentioned on multiple occasions in the past that the team is happy with its aerodynamic approach and performance, and that the key to being more competitive lies in how much it can reduce the weight of the car. The team currently only has four points through the opening 14 rounds of 2024, so any significant upgrade package could transform its fortunes with the team sitting ninth in the constructors' standings.

Albon went on to also address the upgrades, adding: "Additionally, we’ll be bringing upgrades to the car this weekend, so I’m looking forward to testing these out and seeing how the FW46 performs."

‘Pivotal weekend’;

https://racingnews365.com/why-the-du...iams-f1-season

[Fortitude]

Vasseur stresses qualifying crucial for Ferrari's Dutch GP hopes.
"Now we go racing once again at Zandvoort, a completely different track to Spa, being short, narrow and twisty,” he added.
22/08/2024
Phillip van Osten
F1i.com

As Ferrari returns from F1’s summer hiatus and gears up for this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix, Scuderia boss Fred Vasseur has emphasized the vital importance of qualifying in determining his team’s success at Zandvoort.

"Therefore, ensuring we do everything right, down to the last little detail, will be vital and qualifying will be especially important as overtaking is very difficult."

Vasseur’s comments underline the pressure on Ferrari to deliver a flawless performance in Saturday afternoon’s hot lap exercise, where even the smallest mistake could cost valuable grid positions.

‘Qualifying crucial’;

https://f1i.com/news/516704-vasseur-...-gp-hopes.html


Ferrari pinpoints 'vital' Dutch GP difference-maker
Frederic Vasseur has highlighted one key area he feels Ferrari must excel at in the Dutch Grand Prix.
22 August 2024
Jake Nichol
RacingNews365

Looking ahead to F1's return from the summer break at Zandvoort, Vasseur has pinpointed qualifying as the key to unlocking the rest of Ferrari's weekend. "Just before the summer break, the team as a whole performed well in the Belgian Grand Prix, securing pole position and a podium finish with Charles, which was a real confidence booster," he said.

"Now we go racing once again at Zandvoort, a completely different track to Spa, being short, narrow and twisty. Therefore, ensuring we do everything right, down to the last little detail, will be vital and qualifying will be especially important as overtaking is very difficult. As always, we will focus on getting every last drop of performance out of our package," he said.

"That starts with identifying the best set-up as quickly as possible, as well as counting on those on the pit wall and the drivers making the right decisions at the key moments in qualifying and the race. Knowing how competitive the field is this season and given the nature of the track, it’s logical to expect the weekend to be fought out to the nearest hundredths of a second."

‘One key area’;

https://racingnews365.com/ferrari-pi...fference-maker


Tech Preview: Why McLaren have chance to capitalise on Red Bull in Dutch GP
22 August 2024
Francesco Bianchi
GPblog.com

Which car will be the quickest around Zandvoort? Having made all these premises and looking at the last few weekends of racing, it will be extremely hard to make predictions, but McLaren will be the car to beat this weekend. The MCL38 has been the most versatile and complete car from Miami onwards: it should suit this high downforce track, thanks to its ability to generate a lot of downforce from the bodywork and the Venturi channels. Its capacity to look after the tyres over the race distance will also greatly impact Sunday's race. Moreover, the lack of long straights where efficiency is needed will favour the Woking’s team car's ability to be very quick around tight and twisty layouts (as shown in Budapest).

Moving onto Red Bull, a lot will depend on the basic set-up the Milton Keynes engineers will come up with on Friday FP1. If the set-up proves to be quite good, they can work from that and challenge the two McLaren cars, at least with Verstappen. However, the weekend will be difficult if they struggle to develop a good set-up during Friday’s practice sessions.

The new engine cover and sidepod introduced in Hungary should make another appearance this weekend. They have been designed specifically for high-downforce circuits. These components should help increase the amount of downforce generated by the rear end of the car and should also favour heat dissipation, even though lower temperatures will reduce the magnitude of that problem.

‘Chance to capitalise’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29557...zandvoort.html


Red Bull admitting a misstep with the updates? 'Downdates' for Zandvoort
22 August 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

With much fanfare, Red Bull Racing introduced a host of updates in Hungary recently, but it soon became clear that they did not bring what was expected (or hoped for?). In the run-up to the Dutch Grand Prix, which will be held at a circuit similar to the Hungaroring, it seems that previous updates have already disappeared. At least, that is what Helmut Marko, Red Bull Racing's external advisor, is hinting at.

With Hungary's upgrades, Red Bull hoped to close the emerging gap to McLaren again, but there appeared to be none of that. The McLarens were significantly faster than the Red Bulls, and managed to grab a neat one-two near Budapest. After that race, Max Verstappen was critical of the continued development of his RB20, among other things. The Dutchman then openly expressed doubts about the introduced updates.

For the Dutch Grand Prix, the reigning constructors' world champions did not bring any significant updates. Indeed, speaking to Kleine Zeiting, Marko even talks about 'downdates'. By this, he seems to imply that some of the earlier updates have already disappeared. Still, the Austrian says of the upcoming Grand Prix at the Zandvoort circuit: "But I am optimistic. We have fallen a lot short recently. Especially qualifying will be important at Zandvoort. Together with McLaren, we are definitely among the favourites," Marko said.

‘Misstep with the updates’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29564...sandvoort.html


NEED TO KNOW: The most important facts, stats and trivia ahead of the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix
22 August 2024
Formula One - Official Site

Vital statistics
• First Grand Prix – 1952
• Track Length – 4.259km
• Lap record – 1m 11.097s, Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes, 2021
• Most pole positions – Rene Arnoux/Max Verstappen (3)
• Most wins – Jim Clark (4)
• Trivia – Zandvoort’s final corner – named after Dutch motorsport legend Arie Luyendyk – features an 18-degree banking, almost double the numbers seen at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway
• Pole run to Turn 1 braking point – 199 metres
• Overtakes completed in 2023 – 47
• Safety Car probability – 67%*
• Virtual Safety Car probability – 67%*
• Pit stop time loss – 21.52 seconds
*From the last two races in the Netherlands

‘Vital statistics’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/a...ESI4DESaTcyo5w


These records could be broken at the Dutch GP
22 August 2024
Sandy van Wijngaarden
GPblog.com

After the summer break, the first Grand Prix of the second half of the season is scheduled this weekend. The Dutch Grand Prix will be held for the fourth time in a row in Zandvoort after a 36-year break. Read here which records could be broken during this race. Should Max Verstappen win the Dutch Grand Prix on Sunday for the fourth time in a row, it will put him on a par with Jim Clark. Both will then have won this race four times. This is the most of any other driver.

Furthermore, the Dutch Grand Prix is among the few races Lewis Hamilton has never won. Besides Zandvoort, the Briton has yet to win at Miami and Las Vegas from the current F1 calendar. Hamilton will therefore do everything possible to secure victory on Sunday. If Hamilton manages to secure victory on Sunday, he will also pass Verstappen again in victory percentage. If the Briton wins, he will have won 30.54% of the races in his career. For Verstappen, this percentage will then be 30.50%.

‘Records’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29559...rand-prix.html


What time is the Dutch Grand Prix? F1 race and qualifying schedule
Aug 22, 2024
The Race

Dutch GP schedule (local time)
Friday August 23
Practice 1: 12.30pm
Practice 2: 4pm
Saturday August 24
Practice 3: 11.30am
Qualifying: 3pm
Sunday August 25
Dutch Grand Prix: 3pm

Dutch GP schedule (UK time)
Friday August 23
Practice 1: 11.30am
Practice 2: 3pm
Saturday August 24
Practice 3: 10.30am
Qualifying: 2pm
Sunday August 25
Dutch Grand Prix: 2pm

‘What time’;

https://www.the-race.com/formula-1/w...ying-schedule/

[Fortitude]

F1 - 2024 Dutch Grand Prix - Thursday Press Conference Transcript.
PART ONE – Esteban OCON (Alpine), Max VERSTAPPEN (Red Bull Racing), Zhou GUANYU (Kick Sauber)
22.08.24
FIA (Press Release)

Q: Can we start with the hometown hero? Max, how was the break? Max VERSTAPPEN: Yeah, it was very good. Spent a good time with friends and family. It was a lot of fun, honestly. I think it passed way too fast. If I could, I would have added another week, but that's how it goes. But it was good to refresh a bit, not really think about Formula 1, and just have a good time with funny people.

Q: And what a place to kickstart the season again. Your home Grand Prix at Zandvoort, clearly it's a busy one for you. How difficult is it to treat it like any other race? Max VERSTAPPEN: To be honest, it's OK. I mean, just coming after the break as well, I always know, of course, that it's maybe a little bit more busy for me. But at the other hand, you just focus on performance. And yeah, just happy to be here. Also looking forward to the weekend itself. It looks like there's a bit of rain around as well, typically. But that's OK. I'm just excited to get started again.

Q: Esteban, let's come to you next. First up, how was the break? Esteban OCON: Yeah, very good. Similar to Max, I think. Spent some good time with family and friends. Had a good week off and then went straight back to training. And yeah, it went very quick, I would say, because we also tested after the race in Spa, so the whole week was a little bit more of a working week, more than a race week. But yeah, all recharged, ready to go, ready to go back racing. And yeah, can't wait to put some laps in the car.
Q: Zhou, coming to you, first up, the break. How was it? Zhou GUANYU: Yeah, it was good. I mean, same as the others. I had a good time. I went back home because obviously I love spending time at home and that's what we miss during the season. So just had some great time with family and friends and had a fun, let's say, two weeks back in Shanghai.

‘Press Conference’;

https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2024-dut...nce-transcript


Unbeaten Max Verstappen cautious ahead of home grand prix, warns of ‘very close’ race at Zandvoort
22.08.24
Malay Mail

With 10 races left, Verstappen enjoys a 78-point advantage over his closest rival, Lando Norris, but is looking nervously over his shoulder as his rivals make up ground. “Lately you see there are a lot of cars actually winning races and drivers, of course. So, it’s just very unknown. I mean, it’s very close,” he said. “So for sure, I’m not coming into this weekend saying that, ‘yeah, we’re going to win the race’. I just want to have a clean weekend, understand the car a bit more, learn from it,” he said.

Closest rival Norris gave an honest assessment of his chances of narrowing the gap with Verstappen. “Of course it’s still in reach, but it’s a lot of points and it’s against Max,” he quipped. “I know it’s a lot and it’s going to be a very difficult challenge, but with how we’re performing, with how I know I can go out and perform when things click and things go well, then I still want to believe it’s possible.”

‘Unbeaten Max Verstappen cautious’;

https://www.malaymail.com/news/sport...ndvoort/147928


Race preview: Dutch Grand Prix
23 Aug 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

The first ever F1 Dutch Grand Prix took place in 1952 and was won by Ferrari’s Alberto Ascari, who went on to take a second win the following year. Before the big return in 2021, the last Dutch Grand Prix was won by an Austrian with McLaren’s Niki Lauda crossing the finish line first in his McLaren-TAG.

The most successful driver is Jim Clark who won the Dutch Grand Prix four times, followed by Jackie Stewart, Max Verstappen and Lauda, who won three races apiece. The other repeat winners are Ascari, Jack Brabham, James Hunt and Alain Prost with all of them having two triumphs in the Netherlands to their names.

Ferrari is the most successful constructor at the Dutch Grand Prix with eight victories. The Scuderia won twice with Alberto Ascari at the wheel with Wolfgang von Trips, Jacky Ickx, Didier Pironi and René Arnoux also having clinched a win with the Maranello-based outfit.

‘Race preview’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25300


Orange is the new black at the Dutch GP as F1 returns
Max Verstappen is set to have a big fight with McLaren and Mercedes as F1 returns at Zandvoort
22 August 2024
John Smith
Total Motorsport

McLaren bringing upgrades to help title bid. McLaren are only 42 points behind Red Bull in the F1 constructors’ championship but have momentum on their side as both Norris and Oscar Piastri are capable of scoring big points.

Norris should be closer than the 78 points he’s behind Verstappen but there’s still a chance he can give us a serious title race. However, he must start winning and soon, starting at the Dutch GP. McLaren are bringing upgrades to Zandvoort, so if they can replicate their Hungary form where they were dominant and scored a 1-2, then it will definitely be game on.

‘Orange is the new black’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/f1-...as-f1-returns/


Dutch Grand Prix: A Storied Past and An Exciting Future
Aug 22, 2024
Aaron Teasdale
World In Sport

Memorable Races at the Dutch Grand Prix. If you are feeling historical, date your mind back to the 1952 at the inaugural Dutch Grand Prix where Italian and Ferrari driver Alberto Ascari dominated the 90 lap race to take claim the top step of the podium and creating a Ferrari 1-2-3 finish.

Track Layout. The Zandvoort circuit is one of the shortest timed laps for drivers navigate in just 4.259 kilometres, consisting of 14 turns. Four to the left and 10 to the right. And with 306 kilometres of tackling Zandvoort’s Formula 1 rollercoaster, the drivers will race around this clockwise circuit for 72 short laps.

‘Dutch Grand Prix’;

https://worldinsport.com/dutch-grand.../?nowprocket=1


Dutch GP faces uncertain F1 future: FOM wants to reduce number of European races
Rumours in the F1 paddock suggest Zandvoort will be removed from the 2026 calendar
22 August 2024
John Smith
Total Motorsport

Financial challenges and importance of entertainment. Dimitri Bonthuis, the sustainability director for the Dutch GP, highlighted the financial challenges Zandvoort faces compared to other events, particularly those in the Middle East. “We’re an event that doesn’t receive any subsidies,” Bonthuis said. “We’re always financially behind countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain, we’ll never win a fight in that regard.”

“That’s why we have to keep up this pace and set a good example in terms of sustainability and entertainment.” To remain competitive and attractive to Liberty Media, Zandvoort is more focussed on providing unique entertainment value. The event has already made a name for itself with features like the banked corners, offering spectators something different from what they see throughout the season, as well as a carnival like atmosphere.

As Zandvoort contemplates its future, the organisers are determined to remain relevant by focusing on sustainability and unique fan experiences. While the future beyond 2025 is uncertain, their commitment to innovation and entertainment could be key to securing their place on the Formula 1 calendar.

‘Uncertain F1 future’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/dut...uropean-races/


F1 Dutch Grand Prix 2024 - News From The Paddock
22 Aug 2024.
Motorsport.com

After the Dutch media day sessions, Ben Hunt and Mark Mann-Bryans discuss the potentially dangerous weather, Hamilton's future without his race engineer Peter "Bono" Bonnington, the McLaren drivers' chances and more.

‘News From The Paddock’;

https://www.motorsport.com/f1/video/...addock/654125/


Warning in Zandvoort: Yellow warning during Dutch GP opening day
22 Aug 2024
Ludo van Denderen
GPblog.com

The first day of the Grand Prix weekend at Zandvoort threatens to be considerably affected by the weather. Heavy wind gusts are expected when the drivers should take to the track for the free practice sessions. In any case, KNMI [Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute] has issued a yellow warning for the coastal area. That means there is a chance of dangerous weather.

Meanwhile, KNMI announced: "In the Wadden area and the north of North Holland, there will be heavy wind gusts during the day on Friday. Traffic and outdoor activities may be affected. Heavy wind gusts of up to 80 to 85 km/hour may occur. The wind will blow from the southwest."

‘Yellow warning’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29578...ind-gusts.html

[Fortitude]

Dutch GP: Norris edges Verstappen in tricky wet-to-dry FP1.
Norris edged Verstappen by 0.201s while Lewis Hamilton was third for Mercedes, 0.684s adrift.
23/08/2024
Michael Delaney
F1i.com

McLaren’s Lando Norris topped a mixed first practice at the Dutch GP, with the session closing out dry after most of the running had taken place in damp conditions. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz was fourth just ahead of George Russell, with Williams’ Alex Albon making it five different teams among the top six.

Extending northern Europe’s very wet summer, conditions were treacherous from the outset of Friday’s opening practice, with the track’s slippery surface compounded by raging winds swirling around Zandvoort’s dunes. Finally, Charles Leclerc got the ball rolling with a 1m26.111, with Nico Hulkenberg and George Russell following the Monegasque in setting an early time.

Meanwhile, Verstappen was seen being strapped into his RB20 on the large screen which generated a collective gasp of contentment from the Dutchman’s ‘orange army’. As grip improved, changes were fast and furious at the top of the field, with Piastri making it a McLaren 1-2 with five minutes to go. But as the rotations up front continued, Norris settled the score with a 1m12.322s that edged Verstappen by 0.201s, while Hamilton was third.

‘Norris edges Verstappen’;

https://f1i.com/news/516801-dutch-gp...o-dry-fp1.html


Dutch GP: Free Practice 1 Results
23 August 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from Free Practice 1 from the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff

1 4 Lando Norris McLaren 16 1:12.322

2 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 12 1:12.523 0.201

3 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 12 1:13.006 0.684

4 55 Carlos Sainz Ferrari 14 1:13.074 0.752

5 63 George Russell Mercedes 17 1:13.142 0.820

6 23 Alex Albon Williams 13 1:13.159 0.837

7 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 13 1:13.230 0.908

8 27 Nico Hulkenberg Haas 17 1:13.563 1.241

9 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 14 1:13.597 1.275

10 24 Zhou Guanyu Sauber 14 1:13.965 1.643

‘Full results’;

https://speedcafe.com/dutch-gp-free-practice-1-results/


FP1 Dutch GP Full Results | Game on between Norris and Verstappen
23 August 2024
Editor: Kada Sarkozi
GPblog.com

F1 returned after the summer break with an exciting FP1 session in changeable conditions. It was Lando Norris who mastered the conditions the best, as finished in P1 ahead of Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton.

Drivers needed to use wet, intermediate and slick tyres at the first practice session of the Dutch Grand Prix. Both on intermediates and slicks, Lando Norris showed good pace and eventually finished in first place. After also spinning on intermediates, Verstappen finished second this first session. The Ferraris set their fastest times on mediums instead of softs, with Sainz finishing in fourth position.

‘Game on’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29594...erstappen.html


Max Verstappen under pressure to deliver at Dutch Grand Prix as F1 season resumes
Red Bull driver has not won since Barcelona in June as McLaren and Mercedes begin to find consistency
Fri Aug 23 2024
Giles Richards at Circuit Zandvoort
The Irish Times

After the opening rounds of the 2024 Formula One season there was an almost leaden reception to the fare on track. Max Verstappen was laying waste to the opposition having dominated for the past two years. That the sport now returns from its summer break reinvigorated and presenting a potentially fearsome competition in the remaining 10 races is as welcome as it was unexpected.

His needs have not been met with quite the success that might have been expected. The upgrades Red Bull brought to Hungary, looking to improve pace on high-downforce tracks where they struggle, proved unimpressive. Eking more out of their advantage is proving difficult.

However, Verstappen remains favourite to take the title and has a 78-point lead over his nearest rival Norris, but he will be made to fight for every win. Norris should be closer and admitted the minor errors that have cost him potential wins since Miami as have the team, given what has been a quick car after major upgrades there.

‘Under pressure to deliver’;

https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/202...eason-resumes/


Williams slapped with fine after latest Sargeant error
Logan Sargeant has incurred Williams a fine after falling foul of the reduced pit lane speed limit at Zandvoort.
23 August 2024
Samuel Coop
RacingNews365

Williams has been handed a €100 fine after Logan Sargeant exceeded the pit lane speed limit during FP1 for the Dutch Grand Prix. The speed limit at Zandvoort is only 60 km/h, down from the usual 80 km/h due to the size of the pit lane.

The American driver was found half a kilometre above the limit and thus his team were duly fined. It constitutes a breach of Article 34.7 of the F1 sporting regulations, as the FIA confirmed: "Car 2 exceeded the pit lane speed limit which is set at 60 km/h for this event by 0.5 km/h."

‘Slapped with fine’;

https://racingnews365.com/williams-s...sargeant-error


Bailiffs visit Haas as sponsor dispute spills into Dutch GP paddock
The dispute between the Haas F1 team and former title sponsor Uralkali spilled over into the F1 paddock at the Dutch Grand Prix on Thursday.
23 August 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Dutch authorities visited the Haas garage on Thursday night following a ruling in Holland in Uralkali's favour. Haas parted ways with Uralkali, a Russian fertiliser producer, ahead of the 2022 F1 season as Russia invaded Ukraine.

While that decision was deemed fair within the contract, an arbitration ruling made in June outlined that the team must repay some of the sponsorship money it received. It's reported that the sum owed is around $13.4 million (USD $9 million) on an annual agreement that was worth $19.3 million (USD $13 million).

Uralkali argued Haas missed a payment deadline laid out by the arbitration and, as a result, had bailiffs visit Zandvoort on Thursday with a view to seizing the Haas team's assets, including its cars.

‘Bailiffs visit Haas’;

https://speedcafe.com/bailiffs-visit...ch-gp-paddock/


F1 team may miss Italian Grand Prix as cars and equipment 'could be seized'
There may only be 18 cars on track at the Italian Grand Prix due to a bizarre situation in the paddock.
Aug 23, 2024
Harry Smith
Daily and Sunday Express

Uralkali - Haas' former title sponsor - has reportedly asked the Dutch court to seize the team's F1 cars and spare parts at the Dutch Grand Prix, which would prevent them from racing in Monza next weekend. The Russian potash fertiliser company became the title sponsor of the North Carolina-based squad in 2021, and played a significant role in bringing Nikita Mazepin into the team.

However, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Haas terminated their partnership with the company. Uralkali, who had already paid a large chunk of their sponsorship fee up front, took issue with this. Uralkali are requesting that there be a full seizure of the team's assets after the Dutch Grand Prix comes to a close. This would prevent the team from racing in Monza the following weekend.

‘May miss Italian Grand Prix’;

https://www.express.co.uk/sport/f1-a...ian-Grand-Prix


Bailiffs visit F1 team at Dutch Grand Prix as former sponsor asks court to seize assets
Police were spotted in the Dutch Grand Prix paddock as well as bailiffs as one Formula 1 team faces a legal challenge over unpaid cash to an angry former sponsor
• 23 Aug 2024
Daniel Moxon Senior F1 Writer
Speedcafe

While Haas were allowed to terminate the sponsorship deal, it was found that some of the £9.9m paid to the team by Uralkali for that season had to be returned. But the firm has claimed that the team missed the July repayment deadline.

And they have escalated the matter to the Dutch courts this week, ahead of the Zandvoort race. Uralkali has asked for the team's assets to be seized and were on the right side of a provisional ruling. Bailiffs and police personnel were spotted in the paddock on Thursday, with the former called in to evaluate the assets present.

The team has been told that, should it fail to make the owed payment, then it will not be allowed to remove its assets from the Netherlands. While that means the team will be able to compete at Zandvoort this weekend, it means their participation at Monza next weekend is under threat if Uralkali do not receive the payment they are owed. In a statement, the team said sanctions against Russian companies levied because of the invasion have complicated the process.

‘Bailiffs visit F1 team’;

https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/formu...ch-gp-33526960

[Fortitude]

Russell takes top spot in Dutch GP FP2 as Mercedes and McLaren set the pace.
George Russell finished FP2 at the Dutch Grand Prix as the driver to beat, getting the better of McLaren’s Oscar Piastri by just 0.061s as Mercedes picked up where they left off before the summer break.
23 August 2024
Adriano Boin
Total Motorsport

The Mercedes star set his time half way through the session in what was a dry hour on the track. Rain fell on the Zandvoort track earlier in the day, and with FP3 set to be wet and qualifying likely to be held in mixed conditions, teams and drivers were keen to make the most of the session.

Russell topped the charts with a 1:10.702, with Piastri just behind him and teammate Lewis Hamilton in third, just 0.111s slower. Mercedes’ race pace makes them a real threat for Sunday’s race, especially when you factor in that the team have won three of the last four GPs.

Lando Norris, who finished FP1 with the top time, had to settle for fourth, though McLaren showed they will once again be in the mix, especially as their upgrades look good. Max Verstappen finished with the fifth fastest time, the Dutchman looking to make it four in a row at his home race. If Friday’s action is anything to go by, it won’t be straightforward for the Red Bull ace.

‘Russell takes top spot’;

https://www.total-motorsport.com/rus...-set-the-pace/


Dutch GP: Free Practice 2 Results
24 August 2024
Mat Coch
Speedcafe

Full results from Free Practice 2 from the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort.

Pos Num Driver Team Laps Best Diff

1 63 George Russell Mercedes 28 1:10.702

2 81 Oscar Piastri McLaren 32 1:10.763 0.061

3 44 Lewis Hamilton Mercedes 28 1:10.813 0.111

4 4 Lando Norris McLaren 32 1:10.961 0.259

5 1 Max Verstappen Red Bull Racing 32 1:10.986 0.284

6 14 Fernando Alonso Aston Martin 28 1:11.357 0.655

7 22 Yuki Tsunoda RB 30 1:11.374 0.672

8 20 Kevin Magnussen Haas 31 1:11.430 0.728

9 16 Charles Leclerc Ferrari 29 1:11.443 0.741

10 23 Alex Albon Williams 32 1:11.550 0.848

‘Full results from Free Practice 2’;

https://speedcafe.com/dutch-gp-free-practice-2-results/


2024 Dutch GP FP2: Russell's close call in the pits
George Russell felt something strange when his Mercedes left the pit box, luckily everything was fine for the British driver and his crew.
24 August 2024
Formula One - Official Site (Video)

‘Russell's close call’;

https://www.formula1.com/en/video/20...89838007931710


Dutch Grand Prix: F1 Free Practice 2 Results
August 23, 2024
Nathan Hartley
FormulaNerds

George Russell finishes top ahead of Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton in FP2 at the Dutch Grand Prix. Soft tyre runs. Verstappen went to the top of the timesheet, setting a 1:10.986. However, Norris quickly displaced the Red Bull driver – narrowly beating the Dutchman by 0.025 seconds.

Norris’ teammate Piastri then went quickest by just shy of two-tenths, setting a 1:10.763, making it a McLaren 1-2. Meanwhile, it was the end of the session for Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz – the Spaniard had a gearbox issue. Mercedes then turned up to the top end of the field. Russell went quickest, setting a 1:10.702. The Briton’s teammate, Hamilton slotted inbetween the two McLaren drivers in third.

After the flurry of lap times from the soft tyre runs, all drivers switched to race runs. Russell ended the session at the top ahead of Piastri and Hamilton. Norris ended in fourth with Verstappen ending fifth-quickest.

‘F1 Free Practice 2 Results’;

https://www.formulanerds.com/news/du.../?nowprocket=1


Russell heads FP2 at F1 Dutch GP as Hulkenberg crashes
August 23, 2024
Motorsport Week

George Russell edged a tight contest to head the timesheets as Mercedes and McLaren stole a march in the second practice session at Formula 1’s Dutch Grand Prix. The rain that disrupted proceedings during the opening practice hour had subsided as the bright sunshine that had been expected made an appearance at Zandvoort.

However, the wind remained intense and several top names were caught out at Turn 1 as both Russell and then also Sergio Perez experienced trips through the gravel. But their excursions were mild in comparison to what Nico Hulkenberg encountered as the rear wheels on his Haas locked up under braking and he spun into the wall.

The Briton ended up 0.061 seconds faster than Oscar Piastri, who sandwiched the Mercedes drivers as Lewis Hamilton wound up third, 0.111s behind his team-mate. Lando Norris, who headed the opening hour, was fourth in the second McLaren, while home hero Max Verstappen rounded out the top five runners in the lead Red Bull.

‘Tight contest to head the timesheets’;

https://www.motorsportweek.com/2024/...nberg-crashes/


FP2 Dutch GP Full Results | Russell claims top spot with Piastri on tail
August 23, 2024
Toby Nixon
GPblog.com

After changeable conditions in FP1, FP2 provided us with an hour of non-stop dry running topped by George Russell who finished ahead of Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton. See the full results from FP2 here:

It was 100% dry running in FP2 after a rain-affected FP1 halted the majority of meaningful laps. Strong winds were present throughout the session and some drivers struggled getting to grips with the gusts. Nico Hulkenberg crashed early on, bringing out a red flag.

Sergio Perez and George Russell also went off at turn one after locking up, but the latter managed to top the timesheets with an impressive 1.10.702 in the second practice session in Zandvoort. Elsewhere, Carlos Sainz pulled into the pits after half an hour of running with a gearbox issue.

‘Russell claims top spot with Piastri on tail’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29602...rand-prix.html


Dutch GP: George Russell puts Mercedes P1 as Max Verstappen misses top three
23 Aug 2024
Jamie Woodhouse
PlanetF1.com

Max Verstappen slipped to P5 in a very competitive second hour of practice at the Dutch Grand Prix, topped by George Russell. The qualifying simulations with the soft tyres saw Russell win out, his 1:10.702 putting him P1, with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri just 0.06s behind. Russell’s Mercedes team-mate Lewis Hamilton completed the top three with Verstappen down in P5, though it was a top five covered by less than three-tenths.

Russell would suffer a “little bit strange” lock-up into the Turn 9 gravel, while Sergio Perez found the trap at Turn 1, both escaping and getting back on their way. Verstappen had a rear snap out of Turn 7 but managed to avoid the gravel, as he called to return to the pits. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also did well to keep it out the gravel as he locked-up at Turn 1, the conditions clearly very tricky in that opening quarter of the session.

Nico Hulkenberg was another driver who suffered from handling issues in FP1, those returning in FP2 as he spun at the entry Turn 1, skidded through the gravel and found the wall. Thankfully completely unhurt, he exclaimed over team radio: “I don’t know what happened there” as the red flags briefly came out to neutralise the session.

‘Max Verstappen misses top three’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/dutch-...024-fp2-report


Dutch GP: Russell pips Piastri to top honours in windy FP2
23/08/2024
Andrew Lewin
F1i.com

Everyone was quick to get to work, as this is likely to be the only fully dry track time before Sunday's race with tomorrow's weather looking somewhat troubled. Having been slowest in FP1, Alpine's Pierre Gasly was on hard tyres at the head of the queue to depart pit lane when the lights went green; with the exception of Alex Albon in the Williams, everyone else was straight on to the mediums.

The rush of traffic meant there was some immediate jockeying for position between George Russell, Logan Sargeant and Valtteri Bottas, the Sauber driver having sat out first practice in favour of Ferrari reserve Robert Shwartzman. Oscar Piastri was quick to return to pit lane, complaining about an issue with his visor, but that was soon taken car of by the McLaren pit crew..

Local hero Max Verstappen delighted his fans by moving clear of Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Perez with a time of 1:12.131s. Perez subsequently left his braking too late and ran off at Tarzan but he was far from alone to have problems. Having run off into the gravel exiting turn 8 on his first push lap, Russell was soon up to third with morning pace setter Lando Norris posting a time sufficient for P4, but quicker times were already coming in from Albon, RB's Yuki Tsunoda, and Piastri.

‘Local hero Max Verstappen delighted his fans’;

https://f1i.com/news/516831-dutch-gp...windy-fp2.html

[Fortitude]

Haas assets unable to leave the Netherlands without payment to former sponsor.
The assets of the Haas F1 team, including the cars, motorhome and racing equipment, are unable to leave the Netherlands unless the team pays its former sponsor Uralkali.
23 Aug 2024
Fergal Walsh & Aaron Deckers
RacingNews365

Haas is at the centre of legal trouble with former F1 sponsor Uralkali, who is demanding money to be paid back after the contract between the pair was terminated in 2022. In a further twist, OSK Advocaten, who is representing Uralkali, has outlined that Haas can't leave the Netherlands without paying the owed money.

"In addition to the payment, they must also inform us where all the stuff is - if they do not comply, they are committing a criminal offense," lawyer Jurjen de Korte of OSK told RacingNews365. “They had time to comply, but they were playing hide-and-seek. The ball is in their court, they have to find a solution.”

‘Legal trouble’;

https://racingnews365.com/breaking-h...former-sponsor


F1 - 2024 Dutch Grand Prix - Friday Press Conference Transcript
23.08.24
FIA (Press Release)

Q: Ayao, coming to you now. First up, can we deal with some news that broke this morning? What's the situation with Uralkali and the arbitration ruling?
Ayao KOMATSU: So obviously arbitration ruling was made and then we accepted it. We're not disputing it whatsoever. And then it's a complicated process to transfer the funds across. And then we're working on it and it's been taking longer than I would like. But yeah, we are fully focused on making it across as soon as possible.

‘Arbitration’;

https://www.fia.com/news/f1-2024-dut...nce-transcript


Former sponsor asks court to seize Haas assets
August 23, 2024
North Carolina

The Russian chemical company Uralkali filed suit in a Dutch court to seize assets from the Formula 1 team Haas over a failed payment required after a partnership between the two entities was ended. Uralkali was the Haas title sponsor in 2022, when the American F1 team elected to cancel the sponsorship deal following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Russian company, which is also a fertilizer producer, had paid $13 million for the sponsorship.

During an arbitration hearing in June, a Swiss court determined Haas was within its rights to end the partnership, but the team had to refund as much as $9 million of the sponsorship funding it received. According to Uralkali, there are no sanctions preventing the refund of sponsorship funds intended for use by Haas before the partnership was dissolved.

"We are delighted to hear that, following (the) visit from Dutch authorities, Haas is finally paying attention to the arbitral ruling," Uralkali said in its own statement. "Uralkali wants nothing more than to receive what it was awarded during a fair judicial process and hopes that Haas will move quickly to rectify the situation so that all sides can move on."

‘Seize Haas assets’;

https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/...mainstage_card


Max Verstappen’s worrying ‘too slow’ Red Bull RB20 verdict with ‘no clear answer’ at Dutch GP
23 Aug 2024
Oliver Harden
PlanetF1.com

Max Verstappen has admitted that the Red Bull RB20 was “just too slow” in practice at the Dutch Grand Prix, with “no clear answer” how to fix it at Zandvoort. Verstappen, who ended the afternoon session 0.284 seconds slower than the pace-setting Mercedes of George Russell, conceded that Red Bull are “a bit too slow” across the long and short runs at his home race.

“In FP1, I didn’t really get a lot of running in, but I guess in FP2 you could see a little bit more where you are. A bit too slow on the short run, a bit too slow on the long run. So a bit of work to do. At the moment, there’s no clear answer of how to improve that specifically, but we’ll look into things. Just a bit too slow. Simple as that.”

‘Too slow’;

https://www.planetf1.com/news/max-ve...slow-no-answer


Horner defends Perez and turns confrontational question to journalist
23 August 2024
Estéban den Toom
GPblog.com

Christian Horner hit back hard at critics on Friday of the Dutch Grand Prix. After the two practice sessions at Zandvoort, the team principal was asked about Sergio Perez, but he defended his driver.

"Who would you put in?", Horner responded to a question about his driver on Sky Sports. "We know that the beginning of the year he was scoring, he went for podiums in five races and if we can get him back into… I think he's just had a lack of confidence and has ended up in a bit of a spiral. I think he's had a bit of a reset, hopefully over the summer break."

About Perez's chances at the Zandvoort track however, Horner remained less optimistic. "Zandvoort hasn't been his best circuit. So of the four races coming up before the next mini break, I would say this is his most, most challenging one."

‘Horner defends Perez’;

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29604...zandvoort.html


Lando Norris has “no idea” if huge McLaren F1 upgrade is working at Dutch Grand Prix
"So optimistic, but I have no idea if it’s working or not or how it’s performing at the minute..."
23 Aug 2024
Connor McDonagh
Crash.Net

Speaking to F1TV after the session, Lando Norris feels McLaren don't have the quickest car out there. “Probably not, Mercedes are quite quick - it’s close,” he said. “I don’t think there is a quickest, it just depends on different factors. We’ve been in good form since Miami, but we’ve not really brought any updates since Miami, this weekend’s our first time trying to make a bit more progress with the car.”

“So optimistic, but I have no idea if it’s working or not or how it’s performing at the minute, but today was a reasonable day and we’re there or thereabouts. So a little bit more to find overnight hopefully and we can challenge the Mercedes."

“No idea”;

https://www.crash.net/f1/news/105384...tch-grand-prix


Ferrari not surprised by lack of speed at Zandvoort
24 Aug 2024
Balazs Szabo
F1 Technical

Having struggled for pace on the opening day at the Dutch Grand Prix, Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc has revealed that he was not surprised by the lack of speed on the narrow, old-school Zandvoort circuit. "It was tough, as expected I would say. We don’t quite match the pace of our competitors in front, but I think it’s better than what it looks like on the timesheets today. We have work to do in order to be in a place where we can fight for the win.”

"I will do everything to extract the maximum in qualifying, but the gaps we are looking at for the moment are too big to do anything special. If we can get to within 2 to 3 tenths, then maybe we can fight for a good spot in qualifying, otherwise I predict a difficult weekend for us," concluded the Monegasque.

‘Extract the maximum’;

https://www.f1technical.net/news/25319


Can Mercedes win Sunday's Dutch Grand Prix? 'The car felt alive'
23 August 2024
Nicole Mulder
GPblog.com

Mercedes took a good first step into the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton closed out the second free practice session in first and third on the leaderboard respectively. The German Formula 1 team believes it can compete with McLaren and Red Bull Racing, but at the same time, the drivers realise that the pecking order may still change over the weekend.

George Russell: "The car was performing really well. We've got the upgrades on which seem to be working as expected and it looks like quite a close battle with the McLarens and Max [Verstappen], but it could all be different tomorrow." Russell said.

Will Lewis Hamilton be battling for the race victory? "There's still more time to find out for sure. I didn't get the most out of my lap on the Soft compound tyre so that's encouraging for qualifying. We will go through the data on the long runs this evening and see if we can make further improvements overnight." The 105-time Grand Prix winner concluded.

'Car felt alive';

https://www.gpblog.com/en/news/29609...-practice.html


Dutch Grand Prix director "incredibly proud" about start of F1 weekend in Zandvoort
23 August 2024
NL Times

Dutch Grand Prix director Jan Lammers has said that the start of the F1 weekend in Zandvoort has gone well thus far. "We have started, and it looks great again despite the weather, which did make today unpredictable. But I am incredibly proud," he told local broadcaster NH Nieuws. This could be one of the penultimate edition of the Dutch Grand Prix, at least for the time being, as the contract with Formula 1 expires after next year. The sporting director admits that it is currently up in the air whether Formula 1 will return to Zandvoort after next year.

"It's about the permits, but you also have to make a cost-benefit analysis. Organizing such a weekend costs tens of millions; it has to be profitable. We don't know yet what F1 will look like in 2026. What will Max Verstappen do? We really have to be completely full for three days. Otherwise, we will suffer losses. The moment we say we are ready, we have to wait and see whether it will also be put on the calendar."

"Incredibly proud";

https://nltimes.nl/2024/08/23/dutch-...kend-zandvoort