In Pictures: Netherlands 2024
Formula 1 returned to action at one of the most challenging tracks of the season. The Dutch Grand Prix took place at the classic Zandvoort circuit, nestled in the dunes along the North Sea coast. Updated just a few years ago to rejoin the Formula 1 calendar in 2021 after a 36-year absence, the circuit has retained its original character, including its twisty layout featuring 14 corners—four to the left and ten to the right—across its 4.259-kilometer length.
What makes this track truly unique on the championship trail is the banked turns 3 and 14, with gradients of 19 and 18 degrees, respectively—steeper than those at Indianapolis, for reference. Banked corners are uncommon in Formula 1 and thus present an unusual challenge for both car and driver. They also affect the tires, as the higher speeds in these banked turns, compared to normal ones, subject them to even greater forces.
The Zandvoort circuit has hosted all 33 editions of the Dutch Grand Prix that count toward the Formula 1 World Championship, dating back to 1952. Scotland’s Jim Clark holds the record for the most wins here, with four victories. The record for the most podium finishes is jointly held by Jim Clark and Niki Lauda, each with six.
FRIDAY
Back on track after the summer break, the performance levels of the top four teams seem to be as close as they were in the first part of the season, or at least from the Miami Grand Prix onwards. At the end of the first day of practice for the Dutch Grand Prix, the 15th of 24 races on this year’s calendar, the five fastest drivers were separated by less than three-tenths of a second, or 284 thousandths to be precise. The fastest was Russell (Mercedes, 1:10.702), followed by Piastri (McLaren, 1:10.763) and their respective teammates, with Hamilton third at 1:10.813 and Norris fourth at 1:10.961. The fifth and final driver to get under the 1:11 barrier was local hero Max Verstappen (1:10.986).
Very changeable weather conditions played a significant role, to the extent that all five types of tires brought to Zandvoort were used. The first session began in the rain with the track battered by very strong winds, with gusts exceeding 85 km/h. Seventeen drivers tested the track conditions with extreme wets before joining the only three abstentions—Verstappen, Hamilton, and Ocon—on intermediates. After 30 minutes, conditions improved enough for a switch to slicks, with nine of the ten teams opting for the Softs, while both Ferrari drivers chose the Mediums.
The Dutch summer showed its better side in the second session, with the sun making an appearance as the wind diminished. The teams were able to resume their usual Friday program, focused on comparing the three dry tire compounds. The vast majority worked with the Medium and Soft, while Gasly (Alpine), Albon (Williams), Tsunoda (VCARB), and Magnussen (Haas) used the Soft and Hard.
SATURDAY
The third free practice session provided little useful information, as it was run on a wet track and lasted just over 15 minutes due to a long pause following Logan Sargeant’s crash in the Williams.
Orange was the dominant color at the end of qualifying for the Dutch Grand Prix, but not in the shade typically associated with local hero Max Verstappen. Instead, papaya took the spotlight, courtesy of Lando Norris and his McLaren, who brilliantly demoted the Dutchman’s final attempt in an exciting Q3 finale. The McLaren showcased its superiority—at least over a flying lap—by just 356 thousandths of a second. The on-form team also had Oscar Piastri in third place, albeit almost half a second down on his teammate.
This was Norris’ fourth pole position, his third this season and McLaren now has 159 number one starts to its name. It was the first time since 1984 that McLaren secured what was its only other pole for the Dutch Grand Prix, forty years ago courtesy of Alain Prost.
SUNDAY
Lando Norris took maximum points in the Dutch Grand Prix, building on yesterday’s pole position by winning the race and setting the fastest lap on the very last lap. This achievement makes the McLaren driver the 48th driver to complete a hat trick in a Grand Prix. With a great start from second, Max Verstappen kept the home crowd’s hopes of another win for their local hero alive. In what was his 200th Grand Prix appearance, his second-place finish was still crucial for the championship, as he maintains a 70-point lead over Norris with nine races remaining. Charles Leclerc finished third, securing Ferrari’s 12th podium of the season.
This was McLaren’s 186th win, the third this season. In fourth place, Oscar Piastri is the only driver to have completed all 917 laps of this season’s races so far. Lando Norris was voted ‘Driver of the Day'‘ by the F1.com fans.
Excerpts of this article provided by Pirelli S.p.A.