F1 returns to Zandvoort for the first time since 1985 as home-hero Verstappen hopes to give something for the Dutch fans to cheer about

The iconic Dutch track makes a return to the Formula 1 calendar as the drivers are straight back into the action after a rain-centred Belgian Grand Prix.

Last weekend’s action at Spa-Francorchamps wasn’t what fans expected. Two laps of ‘racing’ under the Safety Car determined the final standings after the race kept on getting delayed further and further.

It is probably best to look at qualifying as an indication of everyone’s performance in what was a very stop-start Belgian Grand Prix.

Lando Norris looked destined to put his McLaren on pole position after fantastic performances in Q1 and Q2, however, a heavy collision at Eau Rouge-Raidillon put an end to his chances.

The story of qualifying was George Russell as the Williams driver made another Q3 appearance. In the dying embers of the session, the Brit put himself onto pole only for Max Verstappen to steal the top spot from the talented 23-year-old.

During the laps to the grid, Sergio Perez came in contact with the barrier out of the Les Combes chicane which saw him out of the race. However, the Red Bull crew got to work with his car and fixed it before the race started under the Safety Car which meant he finished the race but in 20th and last place.

After all the grid drops and penalties, Lewis Hamilton stayed in third with Daniel Ricciardo in fourth, Sebastian Vettel in fifth, Pierre Gasly in sixth, Esteban Ocon in seventh, Charles Leclerc in eighth, Nicholas Latifi in ninth and Carlos Sainz in 10th.

The drivers only scored half the amount of points as they did not complete 75% of the race meaning the full amount could not have been awarded.

Moving onto this weekend’s Dutch Grand Prix and it is the first time Formula 1 travels to Zandvoort in the 21st century. The track is 4.259km long and has 14 turns for the drivers to navigate after the renovation of the circuit last year.

1985 was the last time F1 raced at the circuit with Niki Lauda claiming the win after starting from 10th and only 10 drivers being classified. Future world champions Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna finished second and third with the former winning the title that season.

The first Formula 1 race at Zandvoort was back in 1952. Alberto Ascari qualified on pole position and convert his good start into a victory with Giuseppe Farina in second and Luigi Villoresi completing an all Italian podium.

Top 10 Predictions

1. Max Verstappen

The Red Bull driver will be hoping to win his home Grand Prix after winning the Belgian Grand Prix with his good qualifying performance. Verstappen closed the gap to Hamilton to three points in the drivers’ standings and will look to gain the championship lead once more.

2. Lewis Hamilton

Hamilton criticised the FIA and the race directors after a very scrappy race that wasn’t even a proper race. The seven-time world champion scored another career podium but will be hoping to do some wheel to wheel racing to claim a well-earned podium finish.

3. Sergio Perez

After a chaotic Sunday from the other side of the Red Bull garage, Perez must show his class and determination to prove why he is the right option after signing a new deal for 2022. The Mexican needs a result with a podium finish potentially easing the pressure that’s on his shoulders right now.

4. Charles Leclerc

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc had a dismal time at the Hungaroring but was able to score some points last time out. A fight for the top three may be slightly unrealistic but the desire that the Monegasque possesses may help him on his way to a battle with Perez.

5. Valtteri Bottas

Bottas’ woes continue, and after Russell’s impressive podium, his chance of securing a Mercedes seat for 2022 are deteriorating. Finishing in the points will be positive for him, however, the Silver Arrows need podium finishers and time is slowly running out for the Finn to turn this around.

6. Lando Norris

His Q1 and Q2 performances were fantastic and he was destined for pole position but a crash in Q3 put an end to that. Norris, after two races without scoring points, will know that his McLaren machinery is capable of podium and points finishes with his luck turning during the Dutch Grand Prix as he battles for the top five.

7. Sebastian Vettel

Aston Martin’s first podium finish came after a hectic Azerbaijan Grand Prix that saw Sebastian Vettel finish in a fantastic second place. A disqualification in Hungary denied him another P2 but the German scored some valuable points in Belgium after finishing fifth. Vettel will be determined to finish in the points once more and he may prove to be a dark horse at Zandvoort.

8. Esteban Ocon

Ocon’s Hungarian Grand Prix win was extraordinary and he delivered Alpine’s first-ever victory. The Frenchman is in for another points finish and the 24-year-old will outqualify his more experienced teammate once more on his way to P8.

9. Carlos Sainz

The Spaniard is ahead of his Ferrari teammate Leclerc in the drivers’ standings by 1.5 points and has two podiums to his name this season. Finishing in ninth won’t be enough to keep the Monegasque behind him in the championship but this is bound to be a season-long battle.

10. Fernando Alonso

Alonso has not been on the podium or won a race like his teammate but the experienced driver has been a true team player. A solitary point will be good, however, the Spaniard is bound to battle further up and will be in the top 10 for sure.

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