F1 LIVE | The third free practice session for the Dutch Grand Prix

For Max Verstappen, the first day of the weekend at Zandvoort turned out to be fairly positive. In the first free practice, he managed to top the timesheet. The second free practice for the Dutch Grand Prix saw him finish second behind Lando Norris. Will McLaren and Norris be able to lay down another marker, or will someone else come into the mix? Find out by following the liveblog below.

FP3 Live | Dutch Grand Prix

Rain is predicted

Rain has troubled most of the race weekends during the 2023 Formula 1 season, and it looks like the Dutch Grand Prix event will be no different. Rain is forecast to fall at various points on Saturday, including during FP3 and qualifying. It's uncertain how that will change the run plans, but teams and drivers might want to experience the wet conditions because rain could fall during the meaningful moments.

Norrs topped FP2, with a Williams car finishing third. But Verstappen found himself sandwiched between. The qualifying simulations didn't look dominating, but the Dutchman was supreme in the long run pace. Mercedes are seemingly doing well, which isn't surprising because the circuit is similar to the Hungaroring, where Lewis Hamilton secured pole position. Ferrari are an unknown, as are Aston Martin, who have introduced some upgrades in Zandvoort.

The season so far

Verstappen extended his lead in the World Championship last time out at the Belgian Grand Prix. With 25 points on Sunday, the Dutchman took his very healthy lead to 125 points. Sergio Perez secured much-needed points. Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz could not take any points during the race in Belgium. McLaren have been on a sudden increase in performance, with Norris and Oscar Piastri making big jumps in the championship due to multiple podiums. It'll be interesting to see whether that will continue in The Netherlands.