Preview: Is this the year Verstappen's Dutch party is spoilt at Zandvoort?

Every single time, Verstappen has qualified on pole position. He hasn't quite led every lap in Zandvoort since F1 returned to the venue, but he's pretty much never been challenged properly. Perhaps the weather at last year's Dutch Grand Prix was the closest thing to throwing a spanner in the works. The Dutchman has been dominant in front of his own fans (and around the world in fairness). He won every race at Zandvoort since the return. So much so, he is already approaching Jim Clark's record of four wins in The Netherlands.

There's even more of a reason to party this weekend for Verstappen. It won't mean much to him personally, but it is his 200th Grand Prix in Formula 1. A landmark number for the 26-year-old Dutchman, and one that requires a bit of head scratching when you realise it moves him very close to the top 20 drivers who have competed in the most Grands Prix. He is 'only' 100 races behind Vettel's tally.

Will Verstappen's party be gatecrashed?

It's still quite shocking for Formula 1 to find itself in this position. Red Bull Racing won all but one race in the 2023 season and got off to a successful start in 2024. Yet, just prior to the summer break, the performance levels changed. McLaren seems to have the package that works at a range of different tracks, and Mercedes has won three of the last four races. The form guide suggests McLaren and Mercedes are favourites to beat Red Bull again this weekend.

The bookmakers have Lando Norris and Max Verstappen-level pegging (give or take). They say it's a toss of the coin. But the difference between Red Bull and McLaren is Sergio Perez. Oscar Piastri is the third favourite to win the Grand Prix, whilst Sergio Perez is down at around the 40/1 level, behind both Ferrari drivers. If Verstappen is to win this weekend, he will likely have to fight McLaren, Mercedes and maybe even Ferrari alone.

The Zandvoort circuit is unique. The banked corners also help make it very special. If you do have to compare it with another circuit, you'd have to say it is most like Imola. It is a medium-high downforce track, with very little chance for overtaking. Verstappen won that race earlier in the season, but Norris was able to put the Dutchman under serious pressure. The McLaren is a better car now so on paper McLaren seem to have the best chance.

But then another question has to be asked. Can McLaren take advantage? They have made a few mistakes throughout the season - and that's to be expected given they are all new to the situation of winning races - which has cost them dearly. They should've won more races. Canada, Spain and Austria to name just three. Andrea Stella will be hoping to get his team firing on all cylinders after refreshing over the summer break.

The weather forecast

According to weather.com, rain is possible throughout the whole weekend. There is a 32% chance of rain during the afternoon on Friday. It is also expected to be windy, with speeds up to 23mph. Some gusts are expected to reach 40mph. It is predicted to be 22c.

The chance of rain increases to 52% on Saturday and it is predicted to be 19c. The website suggests the rain will be on and off which could make it difficult for the crew on the pit wall. The wind speed reduces to 10-20mph. The chance of rain dips to 18% on Sunday for the Grand Prix itself. The windspeed is expected to be the same as Saturday. Keep an eye on the forecast here.

Full timetable for the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix weekend in BST

Friday, August 23
First free practice (FP1): 11:30 - 12:30 
Second free practice (FP2): 15:00 - 16:00
Saturday, August 24
Third free practice (FP3): 10:30 - 11:30
Qualifying: 14:00 - 15:00
Sunday, August 25
The 2024 Dutch Grand Prix: 14:00 - 16:00