F1 LIVE | The 2022 Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort

It’s time for the 2022 Dutch Grand Prix at Circuit Zandvoort. The 15th round in the Formula 1 World Championship is about to start. Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing lead both World Championships after Ferrari have struggled to keep pace in recent weeks. Charles Leclerc will be aiming not only to cut his deficit but also to regain second place from Sergio Perez.

Last weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix was dominated by Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. Though most presume the circuit characteristics at Spa favoured the Red Bull car and the same dominance won’t be felt in the Netherlands.

The Zandvoort circuit is completely different in comparison and is much more like the Hungarian Grand Prix circuit. This could bring Ferrari back into contention for success this weekend, and Mercedes shouldn’t be ruled out after Russell secured pole position in Hungary.

Last year’s Dutch Grand Prix came in the midst of the Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen duel. With the circuit banking and twisty corners, it actually became one of the most spectacular qualifying sessions of the season. The leaderboard also became spectacular with Verstappen securing pole position by just 0.038 seconds.

On race day, Verstappen stormed to victory. It wasn’t the most exciting race in terms of overtaking, but it did provide some great strategy and interesting lines through the banked corners.

The event last year ensured the three-day Verstappen party continued. The orange army surrounded every part of the circuit, and that’s expected to be the case again this weekend. In fact, more Dutch fans are allowed to access the track this year. The party atmosphere was a perfect example of how to host a Grand prix in the eyes of F1 and Liberty Media.

Red Bull Racing and Ferrari have been evenly matched over the season. Ferrari have had the upper hand when it comes to single-lap pace, but Red Bull have been stronger in the races. Verstappen has won nine of the 14 races so far, with Leclerc winning three. Their teammates Sergio Perez and Carlos Sainz both have one win each.

Over recent races, Ferrari have been known to blow many chances. This has most often been the case in the strategy department, but Leclerc has also made mistakes and crashed. Mattia Binotto will be hoping some of the processes have been streamlined during the summer break and that the performance in Spa was circuit specific.