Dutch Grand Prix – Free Practice 3: Verstappen in the lead!

The last Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort took place in 1985, so the teams have no telemetry data on this circuit. This free practice session was therefore very important to set up the single-seaters as best as possible for qualifying and the race.

Following the shocking announcement of Kimi Räikkönen’s absence for the Dutch Grand Prix, it is Robert Kubica who is replacing the Finn, who tested positive for Covid19. The winner of the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix has not raced in Formula 1 since 2019, so it was very logical to see him leave the pits first in order to have the most possible driving time before the qualifications.

After 20 minutes of the session, Sebastian Vettel was the first driver to find the gravel in this morning. A simple off-track at turn 10 due to understeer of his Aston Martin. Fortunately for him, the four-time world champion did not damage his car.

Only a few moments later, Carlos Sainz lost his Ferrari in the banking of turn 3. The Spaniard lost the rear at the entry of the turn. An unexpected loss of control that the Madrilenian could not explain the reason on the radio. Considering the competitiveness of the Ferrari, it would be a shame to see the team with the prancing horse deprived of a car for qualifying.

With 15 minutes of the session remaining, Lando Norris also found the gravel trap at turn 9. The British driver, who secured 3 podiums in 2021, locked up his rear wheels under braking, sending him straight on.

Max Verstappen was driving his fans completely crazy at Zandvoort by setting a 1’09’623 more than 5 tenths faster than the two Mercedes.

Qualifying results: