2024 F1 Dutch GP: Preview and Predictions

The 2024 F1 Dutch GP will mark the start of the second half of the season. The first half of the season was a pleasant surprise.

Not many expected the season to feature as many as seven different winners in 14 races. Moreover, the variability in performance and results was astounding after a phase where Red Bull dominated.

This weekend, we're going to Max Verstappen's hometown. The Red Bull driver is leading the championship comfortably. One thing that stands out for him is the fact that despite a drop in performance of the car, he continued to score at a high level.

The track at Zandvoort for the Dutch GP has been Max Verstappen's favourite. He has won all three races on this track. However, the last time the Dutch driver won a race this season was in Barcelona, which has been a while.

So, what can we expect from the three-time defending world champion this race weekend? Let's find out as we take a look at the preview and predictions of the Dutch GP.

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2024 F1 Dutch GP: Preview

Key Storylines

#1 Red Bull's performance profile

If there's one race where Max Verstappen might be a tad relentless in terms of winning, it's going to be the one in Zandvoort.

It's his home race and is one event where Verstappen would be in no mood to slack off. Red Bull have to be competitive at the Dutch GP, and it appears that would be non-negotiable for Verstappen as well.

#2 The second seat at Red Bull

Sergio Perez will be in the second seat at Red Bull for the Dutch GP, but common wisdom would tell you that the seat is in as contentious a position as it has ever been.

Perez heads to Zandvoort with a single goal, which is to produce an upturn in fortunes. He has got a handful of races, and he will look to show what he can accomplish in that limited time.

#3 The weather

The weather radar indicates a return to what we had in 2023, where rain makes an appearance and turns everything on its head.

Last season as well, rain played a major role in the race, and if it makes an appearance once again, things could turn unpredictable.

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Form Guide

On form

Lewis Hamilton has been on an impressive streak recently. Heading into the Dutch GP, the driver has won two of the last three events.

He won at Silverstone and Spa after George Russell was disqualified. After more than two years of not picking up a win, Lewis Hamilton is showing that with the right car, he can still get the results.

Out of form

Red Bull haven't won a race in some time. The last time they were in contention to win one was in Austria, when Max Verstappen ended clashed with Lando Norris.

Since then, the car has just been a step behind. Heading into Max Verstappen's home race, there will be pressure on the team when it comes to giving the driver the car to win at Zandvoort.

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2024 F1 Dutch GP: Predictions

Who will win the race?

Zandvoort is Max Verstappen's track, and he has shown it in the past as well that even if he doesn't have the right car, he's able to swat away the competition and get the result. The last time there was an F1 race on this track, it rained and made things very interesting.

Expect something similar this time as well. Red Bull might not have the best car at the Dutch GP, but count out Max Verstappen at your peril.

Surprise of the weekend (Team)

Slightly cooler conditions are where Mercedes appear to do their best work. While this weekend all eyes will be on McLaren and Red Bull, the German team will once again be the dark horse.

Could Hamilton sneak through with another win? It's difficult to rule out anything in 2024.

Surprise of the weekend (Driver)

Keep an eye out for Fernando Alonso this weekend. Aston Martin tend to do well when the temperatures are lower, and rain turn things into a lottery.

Just last season, Alonso had put together a brilliant drive to P2 at Zandvoort in similar conditions, so it won't be a surprise if he does something similar once again this season.

Disappointment of the weekend (Team)

Ferrari team principal has shared a somewhat demoralising update when it comes to the team's prospects in Zandvoort. Moreover, rain hasn't been Ferrari's friend in general this season. Expect them to once again be a distant third-best at the Dutch GP race weekend.

Disappointment of the weekend (Driver)

The Dutch GP is the start of what would appear to be a second chance of sorts for Sergio Perez.

The Mexican is under the microscope, and his performances are going to be analysed. Looking at how close Red Bull are mto the rest of the competition, so it's tough to see Sergio Perez making major strides.

The Dutch GP, in all likelihood, is going to prove to be another disappointment for the driver.