The Netherlands Grand Prix: The Tops/Flops of the editorial team

TOPS

1. Verstappen, Alonso, Gasly: like three winners

Let’s start with something classic: Max Verstappen ultimately only missed out on first place in the second practice session. The rest of the weekend was straightforward: no mistakes, a 9th consecutive victory, and soon he will be the first in history to achieve a streak of ten, unless an unthinkable catastrophe occurs.

But what caught the most attention were his two podium colleagues: Fernando Alonso, in the first place, who finished second: he demonstrated a sensational pace and played with the conditions. Especially during the first lap, where he overtook Albon and Russell in one go at turn 4!

The Matador is impressive and getting closer and closer to a victory this season, even if external factors will still be necessary. As promised after Spa, he is back on the podium.

And for French observers, it’s “cocorico” all the way: Pierre Gasly had a delightful Grand Prix to finish 3rd, taking advantage of Sergio Pérez’s penalty. This is a breath of fresh air for Alpine, hoping that Monza will finally allow them to converge towards the top positions that have been eagerly anticipated.

2. Albon still appealing

When we think that Red Bull axed him without mercy, we remember that being Max Verstappen’s teammate is only beneficial if one drives like him.

Or, Alexander Albon is proving all his qualities on board a Williams that is performing better and better! His 4th place in qualifying is just further proof that he is valuable to the Grove team. His race could have ended outside of the points: despite staying on slick tires like the leaders, his ease allowed him to climb back to 8th…which is the best position he hoped for!

3. Lawson: not bad for a start

Daniel Ricciardo was thrilled to be back in Formula 1, but his wrist injury had other plans. The Australian, who had an accident on Friday, was quickly replaced by Liam Lawson, who was set to make his debut.

And it must be believed that the New Zealander did not do so badly: with an underperforming AlphaTauri, in changing conditions, he managed to finish the Grand Prix, while also engaging in a little battle with Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari, without making any mistakes. It’s not surprising, therefore, that Helmut Marko’s confidence in him is being renewed for Monza. That is, until Ricciardo is able to come back.

Now, we have to find out whether rain will be present or not on the Italian Temple of Speed. This would be another opportunity to prove its potential.

FLOPS

1. Ferrari and Leclerc: we don’t know what else to say

There is a terrifying contrast between the Scuderia of the 2000s and the one today, which perpetuates a striking amateurism.

How can one, with so many resources and expertise, not have ready tires to accommodate a driver when it starts raining? The overall performance of Ferrari is saved by Carlos Sainz, who stayed clean throughout the weekend and secured 5th place.

The Italian team certainly scares its tifosi, who are eagerly waiting for it in less than a week. The SF-23 is not well born anyway and has been easily overtaken by its competitors such as Aston Martin, Alpine, Mercedes, and McLaren. And as for Charles Leclerc, even though he is Ferrari’s child, he has been making too many mistakes since the beginning of the season.

There have been the podiums and the pole position in Baku, but that doesn’t save us from the embarrassing situations seen this year. When will we see a true renewal?

2. Sergeant in the ejector seat?

It’s such a shame for Logan Sargeant, his weekend had started so well! Logan Sargeant had reached Q3 and could have aimed for a good position. The 10th place, after his crash, wasn’t bad, but the damage was done.

And the situation for the American has not improved: he knows he is in a precarious position at Williams and may have tried too hard to redeem himself. And once again, he finds himself crashing during the race. He still hasn’t scored any points and perhaps it’s starting to become a bit urgent…if it’s not already too late.

3. An anonymous walk and lightyears away from his teammate

Everyone knows that Lance Stroll has a permanent contract (CDI) at Aston Martin, in a team owned by his father Lawrence. It is true that it would be unimaginable to dismiss your own son when you are a father. But still, there is reason to wonder.

He is trailing his teammate Fernando Alonso, who is 42 years old and new to the team, by 121 points. Alonso has been performing wonders with the AMR23. One can acknowledge the genius of the Spaniard, but also the significantly weaker performances of Lance Stroll.

Let’s suppose that next year, thanks to technical mastery, Aston Martin is able to fight for the constructor’s title: wouldn’t a Stroll, whose performance falls far short of Alonso’s, be a burden? If he were able to keep up with Alonso’s pace, the second place in the constructor’s championship would be highly achievable, even this year.

In Zandvoort, the Canadian finished in a rather lackluster 11th place, in a Grand Prix where he didn’t really make an impact. Which is a shame, by the way, because he is occasionally capable of great things. But only occasionally, not often…