2022 F1 Dutch Grand Prix preview: Racing among the many dunes

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Spherical 15 of the 2022 Formulation 1 World Championship takes place this weekend on the Netherlands’ Circuit Zandvoort, a historic web site positioned among the many dunes of the nation’s North Coastline.

The Dutch Grand Prix returned to the F1 calendar in 2021 after greater than three a long time, and proved to be a success, not least due to the difficult nature of Circuit Zandvoort. The circuit is widespread for its vital adjustments in altitude and banked corners, which add to the theater.

The observe measures a brief 2.64 miles in size, and due to its proximity to the ocean, sturdy onshore winds are likely to upset the dealing with of the vehicles whereas additionally masking the observe in sand, making grip a problem. It is also slender and twisty, so overtaking just isn’t simple. This implies first rate qualifying is significant.

The straights aren’t lengthy, so energy items take a breather right here. Lots of the corners are flowing, so tires do not put on as a lot as at different tracks. Pirelli has nominated its C1 compound because the White arduous, C2 because the Yellow medium, and C3 because the Pink mushy decisions for the groups to make use of.

Circuit Zandvoort, home of the Formula 1 Dutch Grand Prix

Circuit Zandvoort, house of the Formulation 1 Dutch Grand Prix

Automobiles are likely to run a high-downforce setup. The truth is, solely the races in Hungary and Monaco see greater downforce setups. The observe has two Drag Discount System (DRS) zones, between turns 10 and 11 and on the primary straight, the place drivers can regulate their vehicles’ aerodynamics to make them slipperier for overtaking.

The climate forecast requires clear situations throughout each Saturday’s qualifying session and Sunday’s race.

Mercedes-Benz AMG’s George Russell was the quickest after an preliminary apply session on Friday, edging out teammate Lewis Hamilton. In the meantime, native favourite and reigning world champion Max Verstappen was the quickest early on, however his Pink Bull got here to a cease whereas on the observe with a suspected gearbox problem.

Going into the weekend, Verstappen leads the 2022 Drivers’ Championship with 284 factors. Fellow Pink Bull driver Sergio Perez is second with 191 factors, and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc is third with 186 factors. Within the Constructors’ Championship, Pink Bull leads with 475 factors, versus the 357 of Ferrari and 316 of Mercedes. Final 12 months’s winner of the Dutch Grand Prix was Verstappen driving for Pink Bull.

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