Let’s see if we can actually manage a race this weekend…
The Burning Questions
Will Red Bull or Mercedes come out on top at a track that is somewhere between the Red Bull Ring and the Hungaroring?
How will the drivers cope with a very unique circuit?
Will there be any overtaking?
The Track
The Stats
- Track Length: 4.259 km
- Laps: 72
- Race Distance: 306.648 km
- Maximum Speed: 309 km/h
- Lap Time at Full Throttle: 61%
- First Grand Prix: 1952
- Race Lap Record: n/a
- Outright Lap Record: n/a
- Most Driver Wins: Jim Clark | 1963, 1964, 1965, 1967
- Most Constructor Wins: Ferrari | 1952, 1953, 1961, 1971, 1974, 1977, 1982, 1983
The Trivia
- The 1973 Dutch Grand Prix is remembered for the dreadful accident of Roger Williamson. David Purley was awarded the George Medal for bravery after attempting to save Williamson from his burning wreck
- The final corner banking is twice as steep as the Indianapolis Speedway
- The 1975 Dutch Grand Prix saw James Hunt score his maiden grand prix win for Hesketh after a giant-killing performance in changeable conditions
- And the 1985 race saw Niki Lauda win his last ever grand prix from tenth on the grid
- Local legend has it that the infamous Tarzan corner is an homage to a man who would only relinquish his vegetable garden on the plot of land where the circuit was to be built if the track had a corner named after him
The Weather
The Quotes
Kimi Räikkönen | “This is it. This will be my last season in Formula 1. It was not an easy decision but after this season it is time for new things. Formula 1 might come to an end for me but there is a lot more in life that I want to experience and enjoy.”
Stefano Domenicali | “Kimi is an incredible part of our sport, a personal friend and a true champion.”
George Russell | “The truth is there’s nothing to announce but I’m aware of the situation of where I’ll be racing next year.”
Max Verstappen | “I think what we have to try and aim for is a great weekend for everyone and I’m sure the fans will enjoy. If there would be a little bit of booing, I guess just close your ears and don’t listen to it.”
The Friday Form
Practice 2 Top 5
1 | Charles Leclerc | 1:10.902 | 29 Laps
2 | Carlos Sainz | 1:11.056 | 28 Laps
3 | Esteban Ocon | 1:11.074 | 33 Laps
4 | Valtteri Bottas | 1:11.132 | 33 Laps
5 | Max Verstappen | 1:11.264 | 28 Laps
Practice 1 Top 5
1 | Lewis Hamilton | 1:11.500 | 17 Laps
2 | Max Verstappen | 1:11.597 | 18 Laps
3 | Carlos Sainz | 1:11.601 | 19 Laps
4 | Charles Leclerc | 1:11.623 | 18 Laps
5 | Valtteri Bottas | 1:11.738 | 18 Laps
Lewis Hamilton narrowly topped a hugely truncated morning session, after Sebastian Vettel’s Aston Martin broke down and was then unsafe to touch. But the reigning champion then had car troubles of his own, grinding to a halt just three laps into his afternoon session with an engine issue.
That will seriously hamper his preparations on a brand new circuit.
The Ferraris appear strong – as they did on other tight, twisty tracks – and could even launch an unlikely charge for the front row.
The Photos
The Predictions
Podium
Pole Position
Fastest Lap
Driver of the Day
