72 laps of the 4.259 -kilometre Circuit Zandvoort 2nd September Practice 1 11:30 - 12:30 2nd September Practice 2 15:00 - 16:00 3rd September Practice 3 11:00 - 12:00 3rd September Qualifying 14:00 - 15:00 4th September Race 14:00 - 16:00 All times are UK times Poll closes before Quali. Sorry it's a bit late, busy day!
Max having a bit of bad luck in fp1! Although they are saying gearbox after they replaced a part before fp1 there seems too much smoke from air box! I suspect an ald engine has let go.
McLaren once again solid on the twisty circuits - Mercedes looking good too. FP2 to tell us more of course and we know Max will be mighty here. Most perplexing is Ferrari- expected them to be awesome around here
Interesting interview with Horner. RB Powertrains continues to develop and he likes the synergy of having in house works engine alongside the designers. Quizzed on Porsche but nothing to report. Then quizzed on Honda- that was interesting. He agreed Honda are making noises about having a 2026 engine but Red Bulls train has “left the station” on this. I wonder if the McLaren Honda reunion beckons where they finally smooth over those horrible three years. Porsche seemingly want in, but it isn’t clear how that integrates with Red Bull power trains. Honda seemingly would need to find a brand new partnership.
Alpine looking a little silly in having a contract that allowed him to walk so early in the season after all the money they invested!
https://racingnews365.com/crb-ruling-details-alpine-failings-in-handling-piastri-contract The more you read, the worse it looks for Alpine.
Reading the article, Alpine never had a case. Ineptitude. If the same ineptitude is applied to the racing it explains why they haven't as yet achieved their goals. On the plus side it raises the chance of Riccy staying in F1.
Looks like it will be close today- still fancy Max to edge to pole but hopefully it is close and we have a race on our hands tomorrow.
Considering it's a short track they top 4 are within 3 tenths of each other and it was only Max and Charles who managed to get their final laps in I think. Promising for the race. Well I can hope
Im unsure - it’s one possibility, as is the technical directive regarding the floors being another. They are still fast, but Red Bull in Max’s hands just looks so damn smooth. The right compromise of downforce and drag.
What we saying today then all? I just hope race pace is really close as it brings in strategy and undercuts. If you’re the teams second driver you could cause havoc with aggressive strategy today. Track position king around here so even with slightly older tyres you wouldn’t mind being asked to undercut early and defend late on. I guess the hard part is finding clear track when you come out of the pits? Short circuit and not many easy overtakes.
It was disappointing that some key players could not complete their final qualifying lap yesterday, I am unconvinced Max has the faster car. I am sure Perez wold have preferred to finish his lap rather than ruin everyone else's. Whether this years aero will help an overtaking manoeuvre, we can but wait and see. I voted Charles yesterday although I am becoming a Sainz supporter, his personality is more outgoing and I always think that indicates a confidence. If not this year, I believe he could become the lead driver for Ferrari next, although time will tell. While I think we can assume Max has the WDC more or less sorted, I am not his supporter and hope he doesn't win today.