Dutch Grand Prix – Free Practice 1: Hamilton finishes at the top in a rather sad session

Formula 1 returns to the Zandvoort circuit for the first time since 1985. Drivers have discovered this unique track. This time, unlike in Belgium, rain is not expected and the sun will be dominant throughout the weekend.

As the orange tide continued to come in to witness this first free practice session, the drivers discovered the banked and inclined corners. From the beginning, they had a bit of trouble understanding the track. Yuki Tsunoda was already spinning out. The Japanese driver had barely touched the accelerator. His teammate, Pierre Gasly, even had a scare at turn 3 by missing the braking point. Meanwhile, the star driver of the weekend set the fastest lap in 1:12.755.

After twenty minutes, Sebastian Vettel caused the first red flag of the weekend. While he was experiencing a technical issue at the start of the session, his engine started acting up at the end of his lap. In a comical scene, the German driver tried to put out something himself with a fire extinguisher that was on fire inside his car. But the fire extinguisher wasn’t working properly, and the four-time world champion was getting angry with the safety crew.

🚩 RED FLAG 🚩

The drivers have returned to the pits#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/5G1f8A3xv6

— Formula 1 (@F1) September 3, 2021

The problem turned out to be more significant. While the security guards were trying as best they could to resolve the issue, the FIA announced that Vettel’s car was in a dangerous situation and should not be approached. The single-seater had an electrical insulation problem and Aston Martin’s mechanics had to intervene on site.

You forgot Beekeeper

— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) September 3, 2021

After more than half an hour, Vettel’s car was finally removed. The other drivers could return to the track. There were then six minutes of driving left. With all the traffic, the single-seaters were giving off dust, making the track dirty. While Lewis Hamilton took the lead in the standings, Verstappen couldn’t overtake his rival.

During this session, the teams and drivers will not have driven for long on this track. It will be necessary to leave quickly this afternoon to establish the best possible strategies. It should be noted that the traffic was greatly hindering the drivers. It will be important during the qualifications.

The ranking of the first free practice session