Dutch Grand Prix – Race prospects
As we had imagined an ultra-dominance from the Red Bull team, the qualifications for the Dutch Grand Prix were extremely close and the Dutchman did not waste any time securing another pole position this season. Here are the race prospects for the Dutch Grand Prix.
Towards another victory for Verstappen at home?
After reading the first two free practice sessions, nothing had seemed so complicated for Red Bull and Max Verstappen in a long time. But the Austrian team was able to react at the best moment and their leader managed to secure his 17th career pole position this Saturday, the second consecutive one at home for him.
But for the race, nothing is predetermined! The Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz are right behind him on the starting grid and seem much more comfortable on the Dutch track. The Mercedes, on the other hand, have regained their momentum to the point that Russell and Hamilton have never seemed so close to the front of the pack.
You will have understood, if he wants to secure a second victory at home, “Super Max” will have his work cut out for him!
Finally, deliverance for Charles Leclerc and Ferrari?
Positioned second on the grid just a few thousandths of a second behind pole position, Charles Leclerc will be the first to stand in the way of the 2021 world champion. The Monegasque driver is going through a very difficult period in terms of results, but the pace shown by Ferrari in Zandvoort can legitimately give hope to the current third-place holder in the championship.
Furthermore, the Ferraris will start in a tight formation on the grid, with Carlos Sainz securing a third place for the prancing horse brand, while Sergio Pérez crashed his car at the entrance of the banking and will only start fifth.
Ferrari now has to prove that they can beat Red Bull in all terrains, including strategy.
Read also: Dutch Grand Prix – Presentation and predictions
Can Mercedes join the race for victory?
Rather in the background in Belgium after making a strong impression in the last races before the summer break, Mercedes is indeed gradually making a comeback. The drivers of the star brand were unable to improve on their second flying lap in Q3 following Sergio Perez’s crash, but Hamilton’s 4th place, just 3 tenths off the pole, is very promising.
Moreover, the reigning eight-time world champions have proved this season to be much more formidable in races than in qualifying, and the relay simulations in free practice sessions pointed in that direction.
So, a three-way fight for victory for the first time this season? That’s all we ask for as fans!
Will Schumacher get Haas back on track?
Good surprise at the beginning of the season with Alfa Romeo, Haas has been struggling a bit in the past three Grand Prix with no points on the scoreboard. It’s understandable considering the limited resources and lack of development compared to the competition. But things could be different this weekend.
Indeed, strongly rumored to be joining Alpine in recent days and searching for a contract in F1 since he is no longer part of the Ferrari Driver Academy, Mick Schumacher brilliantly qualified in eighth position this Saturday in the Netherlands.
The German driver, since the strong pressure imposed by his boss Günther Steiner, proves that he has the level to compete in F1 and now competes with his experienced teammate Kévin Magnussen, who is only 18th on the grid.
For both Haas and himself, it would be welcome for the German to perform well this Sunday to remind everyone of his talent!
So, in your opinion, who will win the Grand Prix of the Netherlands?
The departure will be given from 3:00 PM onwards.
