F1 LIVE | Qualifying for the 2023 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort

Qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix is about to take place. Will Max Verstappen delight the home crowd at Zandvoort, or will someone manage to beat the Dutchman? And will the predicted rain create some chaos? You can follow the liveblog below to find out.

F1 LIVE | Qualifying Dutch Grand Prix

Rain is forecast

Rain has been a common feature during the 2023 F1 season, and it also appears on the forecast during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend. It seems like qualifying will be wet, at least at the start. It's uncertain who this will favour in qualifying, but it will make it a greater challenge for Verstappen and Sergio Perez in their Red Bull cars.

Norrs was fastest in FP2, with a Williams car finishing third. Verstappen recorded the second fastest time. 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.