Preview | Relaxed Verstappen increases pressure on Leclerc

Max Verstappen travels to Zandvoort full of confidence. Last weekend, the Dutchman increased his lead in the World Championship by taking the Belgian victory. This Sunday, he hopes to add a top prize to that lead. Will Verstappen be able to achieve this? Or will Ferrari throw a spanner in the works?

The Dutch Grand Prix took place for the first time in 1952. Italian Alberto Ascari managed to win the first two editions, followed by Juan Manuel Fangio in 1955. Whereas exactly thirty years later Niki Lauda took the victory, the race weekend was not on the calendar for no less than 35 years afterwards.

Partly due to Verstappen's successes, the event was due to return in 2020, but the corona crisis forced the organisers to move it back a year. Last season, it was only allowed to admit a fraction of the spectators. Nevertheless, it was a great success. Verstappen also managed to take victory, making him the first Dutchman ever to win the top prize in Formula 1 at Zandvoort.

Circuit Zandvoort is only 4.3 kilometres long, making it one of the shortest tracks on the Formula 1 calendar. Last season, the drivers experienced it as a challenging circuit, where every mistake can bring the race to an end.

The track has fourteen corners, of which the Tarzan curve is one of the most famous. The Arie Luyendykbocht, a high-speed corner at the end of the lap, also provides a great challenge for the drivers on the track. Although overtaking seems to be difficult at Zandvoort, it proved possible last season.

With Verstappen's victory, the title battle seems to have been virtually decided this race year. As his rival Charles Leclerc finished sixth in Belgium, the difference between the two drivers has already increased to 98 points. A victory for Verstappen in Zandvoort could therefore be the final blow for the Monegasque.

Moreover, Sergio Perez managed to pass Leclerc in the world championship. The gap between the two men may only be five points, but the Ferrari driver will have to fight back in the coming race weekends. The Dutch race will be crucial in this respect, followed by the Monza GP.

Ferrari, meanwhile, must keep a close eye on Mercedes. George Russell is only sixteen points behind Leclerc, while Lewis Hamilton is looking at a gap of forty points. The German team is therefore a clear competitor.

This weekend, several wet days await the Formula 1 teams. While Friday is expected to Weather.com Friday will remain dry, the drivers can expect light rain on Saturday. A day later the showers are expected to be heavier, making it a tricky race.

Looking at the circuit, Ferrari seems to have a good chance of winning, as Zandvoort has some similar characteristics to the Hungaroring, where downforce is so important. Ferrari have been performing better in that area all year, but at Spa Red Bull were stronger than Ferrari in the second sector, where downforce plays a big part. Also in Hungary, Red Bull (against all odds) was supreme.

On top of that, the Italians are not in good shape internally. In Belgium too, the team appeared to have difficulty in determining the right strategy and was again not happy with the end result. Red Bull on the other hand has built up a lot of confidence over the last few months, which is also supported by the firm lead in the world and constructors' championship. Verstappen exuded a great deal of confidence at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit and, supported by tens of thousands of Dutch fans, looks set to do the same at Zandvoort.

The difference between Ferrari and Red Bull during the Dutch GP will not be as big as in Belgium, but the Austrians are certainly ready to guide Verstappen to victory again. When that happens, his second world title will be one step closer.

First free practice: 11:30 - 12:30

Second free practice: 15:00 - 16:00 hours

Third free practice: 13:00 - 14:00 hours

Qualification: 14:00 - 15:00 hours

Race: 14:00 - 16:00 hours