The summer break is over: After three weekends without a race, Formula One fans look forward to the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort - home turf for reigning World Champion Max Verstappen. Can the 25-year-old equal Sebastian Vettel's 2013 record for most race wins in a row?
Image credit: Red Bull Content Pool/Getty Images
After heading into the summer break with a a sprint and feature race win in Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen is aiming for his ninth win in succession in front of his home crowd. Historically, the odds are in favor of the championship leader: Since Zandvoort has returned to the F1 calendar in 2021, Red Bull's lead driver has won both races.
Excitement for the race was not universal ahead of the weekend, however: Already a week before Sunday's race, protestors of the "Just Stop Oil" movement threatened to derail the event. Adding to this were taxi drivers in the region, who were initially not allowed to enter the area while drivers from outside Zandvoort had received special permits to service the Grand Prix weekend. An agreement was reached in time for the weekend.
Further up the pecking order, Aston Martin might have to look for a replacement for Lance Stroll for 2024. Just ahead of the Dutch GP weekend, rumors had emerged that the Canadian is looking to leave the team to pursue a tennis career instead - if true, the seat next to 2005 and 2006 World Champion Fernando Alonso would be vacant for the upcoming season. That was not the only bit of news on Stroll, however: The 24-year-old missed out Thursday's media day at Zandvoort due to an illness."
The red flag came out, and it soon emerged that Danny Ric had fractured his left wrist. As a result, Super Formula driver Liam Lawson is making his F1 debut in the Netherlands to race for Alpha Tauri alongside Yuki Tsunoda. The New Zealander has been Red Bull Racing's reserve driver since 2022 and appeared in an Alpha Tauri in Free Practice at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Debut on short notice: Liam Lawson replaces Daniel Ricciardo after the latter's injury in practice. Image credit: Red Bull Content Pool/Getty Images
A wet race would be a first for Fomula One since returning to Zandvoort: While the 2021 event saw sunny skies, the 2022 race was held with just partial cloud cover. The circuit is certainly among the trickier layouts on the calendar in the dry already, but rain could make things much tougher for the 20 drivers on the grid.
Friday
Free Practice 1: 12.30 - 13.30 CEST
Free Practice 2: 16.00 - 17.00 CEST
Saturday
Free Practice 3: 11.30 - 12.30 CEST
Qualifying: 15.00 - 16.00 CEST
Sunday
Grand Prix: 15.00 CEST
Who is your pick to win the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix? Let us know in the poll and in the comments below!
Image credit: Red Bull Content Pool/Getty Images
After heading into the summer break with a a sprint and feature race win in Spa-Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix, Verstappen is aiming for his ninth win in succession in front of his home crowd. Historically, the odds are in favor of the championship leader: Since Zandvoort has returned to the F1 calendar in 2021, Red Bull's lead driver has won both races.
Excitement for the race was not universal ahead of the weekend, however: Already a week before Sunday's race, protestors of the "Just Stop Oil" movement threatened to derail the event. Adding to this were taxi drivers in the region, who were initially not allowed to enter the area while drivers from outside Zandvoort had received special permits to service the Grand Prix weekend. An agreement was reached in time for the weekend.
Haas Duo Continues in 2024
Just a day before the on-track action kicked off in the dunes of Zandvoort, Haas announced its driver lineup for the 2024 season: Both Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hülkenberg will be back behind the wheel for the American privateer squad. The two veterans should provide some much-needed stability for Haas, which is battling to stay out of the bottom three positions in the Constructor's Championship. The team is currently tied for seventh with Williams at 11 points.Further up the pecking order, Aston Martin might have to look for a replacement for Lance Stroll for 2024. Just ahead of the Dutch GP weekend, rumors had emerged that the Canadian is looking to leave the team to pursue a tennis career instead - if true, the seat next to 2005 and 2006 World Champion Fernando Alonso would be vacant for the upcoming season. That was not the only bit of news on Stroll, however: The 24-year-old missed out Thursday's media day at Zandvoort due to an illness."
Rotten Luck for Danny Ric
Once the cars hit the tarmac, Stroll was back in the cockpit, though. Howeverm with two practice sessions for the event being held on Friday, Daniel Ricciardo's weekend was over before it really got started: After finishing the first practice session in 12th, the popular Alpha Tauri driver ended up in the wall at Hugenholtzbocht - the Australian had tried to avoid the stricken car of his compatriot Oscar Piastri in a split-second decision, leaving him no time to take his hands off the steering wheel before hitting the barrier.The red flag came out, and it soon emerged that Danny Ric had fractured his left wrist. As a result, Super Formula driver Liam Lawson is making his F1 debut in the Netherlands to race for Alpha Tauri alongside Yuki Tsunoda. The New Zealander has been Red Bull Racing's reserve driver since 2022 and appeared in an Alpha Tauri in Free Practice at the Belgian Grand Prix.
Debut on short notice: Liam Lawson replaces Daniel Ricciardo after the latter's injury in practice. Image credit: Red Bull Content Pool/Getty Images
The Dutch Grand Prix Weather
It looks like the Kiwi is in for a debut in tricky conditions: While the first practice sessions were dry, rain and thunderstorms descended upon the Zandvoort area on Saturday, and the forecast does not look friendlier for Sunday's race. The probability for rain is slightly above 75% for the event's scheduled start time.A wet race would be a first for Fomula One since returning to Zandvoort: While the 2021 event saw sunny skies, the 2022 race was held with just partial cloud cover. The circuit is certainly among the trickier layouts on the calendar in the dry already, but rain could make things much tougher for the 20 drivers on the grid.
The 2023 Dutch Grand Prix Schedule
As usual, the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix is available for live streaming via F1 TV in addition to the numerous broadcasts worldwide. With rain likely to shake things up, tuning in to the various sessions leading up to the race should be worth it already. Find the full weekend schedule below.Friday
Free Practice 1: 12.30 - 13.30 CEST
Free Practice 2: 16.00 - 17.00 CEST
Saturday
Free Practice 3: 11.30 - 12.30 CEST
Qualifying: 15.00 - 16.00 CEST
Sunday
Grand Prix: 15.00 CEST
Who is your pick to win the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix? Let us know in the poll and in the comments below!
