Circuit Zandvoort is one of the most challenging tracks on Formula One’s circuit. It’s many blind turns and banked corners tax the very best drivers for 72 laps. Yet, Oscar Piastri wheeled his McLaren around the track as if he were born to it. Of course, it helps when he has the best car on the grid.
McLaren is clearly the best team on the grid this year. As the race wound down, it appeared they were on pace for yet another one – two finish. Then, at lap 65, Lando Norris’s McLaren began to smoke. Unfortunately, he was forced to retire his car due to a powerplant malfunction.
Lando’s race was eventful. During the first lap Max Verstappen challenged both McLarens thru turn one. Verstappen backed out of challenging Piastri at the apex of turn one but stayed on Norri’s outside rear wheel down the straight away as they sped towards turn two. Just after the apex of turn two Max wheeled ahead of Norris, hit a spot of sand on the straight away and fishtailed. Max maintained control of his Red Bull, holding on to second until Norris overtook him on lap nine.
Red Bull’s Success.
Red Bull’s strategy to challenge McLaren was smart. They went with a soft tire, knowing rain would hit the track shortly after the race start. They hoped Verstappen would steal a place and maintain it long enough for a yellow flag to wave. While the strategy was sound, the weather was not as dramatic as Red Bull thought it would be. Yet, unforeseen events unfolded allowing Verstappen to earn second place.
Isack Hadjar is the driver of the day. Regardless of the vote, he would have been my driver of the day. He started the race in fourth and managed to keep Ferrari and Mercedes at bay for 72 eventful laps. A few times Charles Leclerc or George Russell would challenge, but Hadjar doggedly stayed ahead. Today’s third place is a thrilling achievement for the rookie Frenchman.
Ferrari’s Woes.
Ferrari’s horrendous day came as a surprise. During lap one, Leclerc overtook Russell and held fifth place for 23 laps before pitting. Around lap 22 the rain started to pepper the track. At lap 23, as Leclerc finished pitting, Lewis Hamilton hit a wet spot in the paint of turn three causing him to spin out into the wall, ending his race. Notably turn three is steeply banked.
Leclerc continued determinedly. During lap 33, he bumped and battered his way past Russell at the bottom of a banked turn seven. Gamely, Russell stayed on Leclerc’s tail until it was clear he would not be able to overtake the man from Monaco.
Leclerc’s race craft has greatly improved this season. It is rare to see a front running Ferrari these days, forcing Leclerc to improve his overtaking skills. Unfortunately, Ferrari’s strategists are failing to match their drivers race craft. During Lap 52, Ferrari ordered Leclerc to pit when he was 11 seconds ahead of Russell. They changed tires from hard to soft, when they didn’t need to.
Ferrari’s decision to pit Leclerc put him squarely in the crosshairs of Kimi Antonelli. Leclerc’s pit-lane exit was good and he found his racing line. As Leclerc was wheeling around the top of turn three, Antonelli entered the turn with too much speed, failed to adjust and careened directly into Leclerc sending the Ferrari spinning across the track and out of the race.
Notable Race Highlights.
- Liam Lawson continues to be a track menace as he caused a nearly race ending wreck between himself and Carlos Sainz. Mysteriously the FIA cited Sainz for the collision when it should have been merely a racing incident
- Formula One’s Iceman Oscar Piastri has a 34-point lead on teammate Lando Norris. It is doubtful that Norris can recover. It will take a handful of Piastri mistakes for Lando to have a shot at the title.
- Ollie Bearman should have received driver of the day votes. Bearman started the race in pitlane and achieved sixth place overall.
- Max Verstappen continues his streak of earning a top two spot at his home track of Circuit Zandvoort. This is Verstappen’s first podium in four races. 2018 was the last year Verstappen experienced such a long drought from a top three finish.
On to Monza!
