Problems for Verstappen at the start and Mercedes dominated

Every fan of F1 faced the Netherlands GP this weekend with great doubt as to whether Red Bull and Max Verstappen may continue to show the great superiority which they have shown in the race of Hungary and all weekend Belgium. However, the first practice sessions at Zandvoort this Friday morning did not start as expected for the fans who are starting to occupy the stands of the Dutch track. They all raised their hands over their heads as the local idol pulled off the track in the first minutes of Free Practice due to an alleged gearbox problem.

The reigning world champion and outstanding leader of the F1 World Championship missed the entire session after completing only 7 laps, because on this track it was impossible for the support team to bring the car to the garage so they could try to fix it in time before after FP1. Therefore, Max has to save work for Free Practice 2 this afternoon after the first practices dominated by the two Mercedes.

Russell led with a tempo of 1’12.455 ahead of Hamilton (0’240) and Carlos Sainz (0’390) third, with Norris fourth, Ricciardo fifth and Leclerc sixth. Pérez, the only Red Bull on the track, was 7th and Alonso, with his Alpine, was eighth ahead of Esteban Ocon.

The two Mercedes started with a double, sticking their heads out to make it clear that on this track they wanted to get back into the fight and surprise Red Bull and Ferrari. The Silver Arrows suffered badly at Spa, a track far from their car’s characteristics, and this is where they want to go out again. In Hungary, a rat race, Russell took pole and both Mercedes were on the podium behind the victorious Verstappen. On this track their performance can return and they want to fight for everything.

It remains to be seen whether Ferrari’s confidence translates into success. The red cars believe that the characteristics of this track will allow to compete with Red Bull. On paper, the track favors the red cars, but so does Hungary and Sunday Verstappen is superior because of his higher speed and less wear and tear. The key for Ferrari is more than knowing what version of Max will be seen this weekend before an audience that will push him hard.

Alonzo, eighth

Fernando Alonso started the weekend inside the Top-10, in eighth position, although for now, far from Alpine’s great rivals in the Constructors, McLaren. The Spaniard is 1″178 off the lead, but more importantly, some 7 tenths from Norris’ time (4th) and 5 tenths from Ricciardo (5th). Spa will further squeeze the Alpine’s performance due to its good performance in straight , but in Zandvoort, their battle with the Woking people will be more complicated.