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F1 Today Norris faster in practice sessions than Verstappen

F1 Today | Norris faster in practice sessions than Verstappen

23 August at 22:10

Following a long summer break, Formula One cars returned to the track in the Netherlands. In the two practice sessions, we had two different drivers topping the time sheets, and a red flag. Red Bull advisor gave his thoughts on Day 1 at Zandvoort, while early in the morning, Alpine announced Jack Doohan. GPblog brings you the best news of the day from the Dutch city.

Two free practice sessions held in Zandvoort

Four weeks after the Belgian Grand Prix, F1 cars were in action once again. Lando Norris topped FP1 ahead of Max Verstappen, while it was George Russell who was the quickest in FP2 ahead of Oscar Piastri and Lewis Hamilton. The driver, who Andrea Stella believes would be closer to Verstappen in the standings if it weren't for also McLaren's mistakes, finished in P4 in the afternoon session, marginally ahead of his Dutch rival. Struggling with his brakes, Nico Hulkenberg caused a red flag in FP2, after he went off the track into the wall in Turn 1.

You can see the full results of FP1 and FP2 here.

Marko's verdict and Horner's joke about Wolff

Speaking exclusively to GPblog, Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko summed up his team's Friday in the Netherlands. According to the Austrian, expects the Dutch Grand Prix to be an 'interesting event'.

Later in the day, team principal Christian Horner also joked about Mercedes team principal and CEO Toto Wolff at a Tag Heuer event, where GPblog were present. The Briton laughed after he stated that his team cannot work during the mandatory summer break stop, otherwise if Wolff sees this, he would be in 'trouble'.

Previously, Horner also stood up for Sergio Perez. The Mexican finished in P12 in both sessions on Friday, after he was confirmed to remain at Red Bull Racing for the rest of the year.

Alpine announce Doohan for 2025

On Friday morning, Alpine have announced that Jack Doohan will become Pierre Gasly's teammate in the 2025 Formula One season. After competing in Formula 2 in 2023, the Australian became the team's reserve driver this season. Here is how Doohan reacted to getting full-time seat.


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