It will not be a Dutch GP simple for Max Verstappen. Compared to the past, there are now many competing for victory. Consequently, it will not be easy for the world champion to impose himself again in his home race, especially now that his Red Bull is no longer the point of reference in terms of performance for the other teams. However, a serious unknown will be any progress made by the latter during the summer break.
Verstappen not favored for the first time in the Dutch GP
After the usual seasonal summer break, the Formula 1 traffic lights will once again light up green. The Dutch circuit, which winds through the dunes of Zandovoort, returned to the calendar in 2021. For three editions, however, there was no story on the track. Max Verstappen won all editions, taking pole position on the Saturday of each edition. Not even last year, when a heavy downpour hit the circuit a few seconds before the start of the race, mixing up the cards, did Verstappen and Red Bull allow themselves to be caught by surprise, finishing first ahead of Fernando Alonso's Aston Martin. However, a year later, things have changed.
A difficult result to predict: "many teams involved for the final victory"
Verstappen and Red Bull are no longer as unbeatable as last year. In terms of performance they are all closer, without a team ready to dominate the race, although lately McLaren, at least until the summer break, has adapted well in different conditions and on different circuits. For now, therefore, the favorites should be the Orange, who triumphed last time in Hungary. A circuit, that of the Hungaroring, which also has some characteristics typical of Zandovoort. In fact, on both tracks it is very complicated to overtake, with the exception of the first laps after the main straights. Qualifying will therefore prove to be fundamental, with many drivers ready to get the right shot. The balance has therefore changed and for this reason Max Verstappen, at the usual Thursday press conference, appeared very worried on the microphones, but as usual determined to give his best.
Zandvoort will be the 200th race for the Dutch driver
"I'm happy to be here in Holland, I'm looking forward with optimism to a weekend where it looks like there might even be a bit of rain. I think it will be the most difficult race in Holland, visa how many teams they fight for victory." As we have seen over the last few races, even a small gap in terms of performance can mean losing or winning the race. For this reason, Verstappen and Red Bull will have to focus a lot on the set-up, trying to get the most out of their car. “I want to understand the car better, having a clean weekend. We did a lot of analysis during the break, we will change some things."
Zandvoort will be Max Verstappen's 200th GP, an anniversary which coincides with his home grand prix. A further detail that could make it even more difficult to accept a probable defeat. “A possible defeat wouldn't be difficult for me to digest. If you can win the race, you try to do it. If you don't succeed, you try the next race. We should understand what level we will be at over the weekend. Clearly last year I had more confidence coming here, while this year the season is more competitive.
The brake issue doesn't worry Red Bull for now
Verstappen expects an exciting but challenging weekend at the same time. However, we must take into account any possible progress that Red Bull, like the other teams, may have made during the summer break, having the time necessary to analyze data and refine some parameters of their cars. In recent days however, even with the engines off, there has been a lot of talk about asymmetric brakes, which may have made Red Bull unbeatable for the first part of the season. Speculations fueled by one regulatory change of FIA published last July 31st, in which essentially any type of asymmetric braking was prohibited. However, Verstappen, speaking at the press conference, did not say he was absolutely worried. “Se changes to brake rules will it impact Red Bull's performance? No".
SOURCES: FormulaPassion.it, Motorsport.com
