Formula 1 is officially back and with it also our advice to Fanta F1! The first meeting of this second and final part of the season is played in Holland, at the home of Max Verstappen, the undisputed leader of the world championship. Despite the lack of struggle at the top, the energy of Orange tide it is not missing. Thousands have already taken to the track in the first free practice sessions since Friday.
Much of the attention is paid to the host, Max Verstappen but also to the fight for second place in the constructors, who are competing with Mercedes, Aston Martin and Ferrari. Of the three, the Maranello team is perhaps the one that has the most to prove in this second phase of the championship, having suffered a rather worrying decline compared to last season. Great attention also on Aston which brought some updates to the Netherlands and on the possible surprises of the weekend. Also pay attention to the weather because the conditions we saw today in FP1 and in FP2 they might be an exception. In fact, heavy rain is forecast for the rest of the weekend. But let's see who to line up and the possible predictions with our advice on Fanta F1!
Who to deploy
The securities: The Dutch Grand Prix could very well be called the “Verstappen Grand Prix” considering the hold and importance the driver has for the entire nation. Zandvoort is the ideal hunting ground, difficult track. Max is ever closer to breaking Vettel's record for consecutive victories in a season. Even though today was the day dedicated to free practice, Max did not hold back. Compared to the rest of the group and his teammate he always maintains a good gap. It's not a sure thing but it's close, Lando Norris. The Englishman took the best time away from Max Verstappen and confirms the feeling of seeing a competitive McLaren in the Netherlands. The battle for the podium could also be enriched with Lewis Hamilton. Always one step behind the best, on the flying lap, but with an excellent race pace.
The unknowns: Ferrari is the real uncertainty on Friday. The SF-23 does not yet have a precise identity and it is not possible to understand where it will be tomorrow. Compared to past Grands Prix, the Maranello team had more difficulty finding the right set-up. Tomorrow therefore, we will most likely see a different SF-23, but there is a lot of work to do.
The gambles: Among the odds we put Williams who after an excellent performance in FP1 reconfirmed themselves in the following session also giving encouraging signs on the race pace. The objective is clear, to get to the points and he will try to do so with both riders. Let's also put Aston Martin, which is slowly recovering, in the mix.
The risks: As risks we put Haas - in difficulty in this first phase of the weekend, and Daniel Ricciardo. Daniel, after the accident in FP2 and an initial visit to the medical center, was transferred to the hospital for further checks on his left hand. The Australian came out of his car in pain. Updates on his physical condition are awaited but an out could bring Lawson, the third Red Bull driver, already present in the paddock, onto the track.
Our team with a base of 100 credits: Verstappen – Norris – Stroll – Tsunoda – Sargeant
Our predictions
Let's now come to the Fanta F1 predictions. Zandvoort as we have already said is not an easy track. The unexpected is around the corner and to overcome it you have to take risks. Qualifying will be very important and considering the threat of rain we could expect some surprises on the grid.
Safety Car in the race: Yes
Virtual Safety Car in the race: No
Red flag in the race: Yes
Drivers distinguish wet or full wet tires in the race: Yes
Team double in the race: No
Driver who starts on pole wins the race: Yes
Stables to bring both cars into the top 10: 4
Vehicles forced to retire: 3
