The F1x

• The Out Lap

  • Story lines for second half of the season

  • All about Zandvoort

• Predictions

  • Smoke flare issues?

The Out Lap

The Formula 1 Heineken Dutch Grand Prix brings us out of the summer break and onto the track at Circuit Zandvoort.

We’ve all seen enough Heineken-sponsored F1 commercials to last a lifetime...

There will be a sea of orange in the crowds cheering on Verstappen, but can the Red Bull driver get back onto the top step?

Going into the second half of the season, there is still a lot to shake out.

Max has a pretty solid hold on the drivers' championship lead, but the same cannot be said for the constructors'. Does Checo pick up the pace with the vote of confidence from the Red Bull brass?

Will Mercedes continue to be in the hunt and win some races?

Can McLaren start to get the results their car deserves, and can Lando close the gap to Max?

Will Ferrari get back on pace? Some upcoming tracks might suit the car, so this could be an important run for them.

All about Zandvoort

4.259km / 72 laps / 1:11.097 Lewis Hamilton (2021)

Did you know the 2023 Netherlands GP holds 2 overtaking F1 records?

1. Most overtakes in a wet race - 186

2. Most overtakes on a single lap - 63 (lap 3)

First built in 1948, the first F1 race was held at Zandvoort in 1952. The last Grand Prix at Zandvoort was in 1985 until its return to the F1 calendar in 2021, which Verstappen won.

Zandvoort is located on the western coastline of the Netherlands, about a half-hour from Amsterdam. It is also a very popular beach resort.

The Tarzan corner (Tarzanbocht) is the most famous turn on the circuit, known for being the hairpin turn at the end of the start/finish straight. It is apparently named after a local.

Zandvoort is an old-school, quick track with lots of undulating and banking turns.

Predictions