Lewis Hamilton hits out at Mercedes strategy as Max Verstappen seizes championship lead at Dutch GP
Lewis Hamilton believes his Mercedes team denied him the chance to beat Max Verstappen to victory at Sunday’s Dutch Grand Prix.
Hamilton was knocked off Formula One’s championship summit here in Verstappen’s homeland after the Red Bull driver raced to a comprehensive triumph.
Verstappen’s 70,000-strong orange army created a carnival atmosphere in Zandvoort – a sleepy coastal town 25 miles outside of Amsterdam – but, under the weight of huge expectation, he kept his composure following a fine drive from pole.
With overtaking almost impossible on the twisty 2.65-mile circuit, Hamilton, who started second, knew his best shot at glory would come through strategy. But Mercedes were slow putting on Hamilton’s right-front tyre in his opening stop. He was called in for a second change on lap 39 of 72 – too early in Hamilton’s opinion – emerging in traffic and scuppering any hope of undercutting his rival.
“We called our bluff too soon,” complained Hamilton during the race. Moments later he was on the radio again: “I had so much life left in those tyres. I don’t know why we rushed it [the second stop].”
Then, after a warning from race engineer Peter Bonnington that his tyres might run out of steam in the closing stages, Hamilton snapped: “I am pushing to close this gap [to Verstappen], man. Come on.”
In the post-race press conference, Hamilton said: “Today we needed everything to be perfect to even have the slightest chance of getting past Max. Our pit-stops needed to be on point, our strategy needed to be on point, and traffic, too, but none of those three were ideal.”
Hamilton found an unlikely ally in the paddock last night, with Nico Rosberg deeply critical of his former team’s decision-making. The 2016 world champion said: “It could have been a closer fight, but the way Mercedes did it today, there was no chance. It was a big, big mistake.
“This year, we have not seen the usual high level of strategy from them. There is something going on, and this evening there will be some serious discussions. What I also found really bad were the comments from Bonnington to Lewis. They were garbled and not clear. Should he push, or shouldn’t he push? What was he doing? That was below par from Bono.”
Hamilton was also forced to chase the fastest lap on the final lap after team-mate Valtteri Bottas, set to be replaced by Briton George Russell for 2022, defied an order not to beat Hamilton’s previous best time.
The seven-time world champion bolted on fresh rubber and succeeded to gain a bonus point which could prove pivotal in the title fight.
On F1’s return to Holland after 36 years away, Verstappen and Hamilton shared a front row for the first time since their opening-lap crash at the British Grand Prix seven weeks ago. But on Sunday Hamilton never got close enough to mount a challenge.
The crowd roared as Verstappen left Hamilton trailing on the 262-metre charge to the opening Tarzan bend, and by the end of the first lap, he was already 1.7 seconds clear.
Hamilton pitted on lap 20, but was stationary for an extra second following a sticky front-right wheel. Verstappen stopped the next time around and emerged ahead of Hamilton – his lead halved from three to 1½ seconds.
Mercedes then deployed Bottas in the hope he would act as a roadblock, but Verstappen swept past with ease on lap 30.
At that stage, Hamilton was within striking range – just 0.7 sec adrift of Verstappen – but when he stopped for a second time, he had fallen three seconds behind. Perhaps Mercedes should have called him in earlier? Hamilton then left the pits behind a host of backmarkers, and any chance of usurping his rival was over. As Verstappen took the chequered flag, orange smoke polluted the blue sky once more – his fans celebrating a win that puts their man back in charge of the championship. Dutch royalty joined in, too, with King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima watching the podium party.
“There are always high expectations when you come here and the crowd want you to win, but it is never straightforward,” Verstappen said. “So to deliver with pole and then win the race leaves me very satisfied. It has been an amazing day.” Bottas joined Verstappen and Hamilton on the rostrum, with Pierre Gasly an impressive fourth for AlphaTauri. Sergio Perez raced from the pit lane to finish eighth, banging wheels with McLaren’s Lando Norris along the way – a rare moment of excitement in a rather turgid affair. Norris crossed the line 10th to take a single point.
Dutch Grand Prix, as it happened
03:08 PMOkay, that's it from me this weekend
Okay, that's it from me this weekend
Stay tuned for more reaction and analysis on telegraph.co.uk/sport. Not the greatest race of the season, but at least it wasn't a complete stroll in the park for for Max Verstappen, who was pushed hard by Hamilton all day.
There's another race next week at Monza and I'll be back for the Friday practice and qualifying. Enjoy the rest of your weekends.
02:58 PMYour podium finishers
02:54 PMVerstappen celebrates a well-earned victory
A good day to be Dutch 🟠🙌🏆#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/VxL5R4tGaS
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
02:53 PMGood day for Ferrari, put a few points on rivals McLaren
Your podium finishers
02:54 PMVerstappen celebrates a well-earned victory
A good day to be Dutch 🟠🙌🏆#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/VxL5R4tGaS
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
02:53 PMGood day for Ferrari, put a few points on rivals McLaren
Verstappen celebrates a well-earned victory
A good day to be Dutch 🟠🙌🏆#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/VxL5R4tGaS
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
02:53 PMGood day for Ferrari, put a few points on rivals McLaren
Good day for Ferrari, put a few points on rivals McLaren
Bad day for Aston Martin, who saw Alpine and AlphaTauri move even further ahead after failing to score points when their rivals scored heavily.
02:50 PMConstructor standings after 13 rounds
02:46 PMDriver standings after 13 rounds - Top 10
Constructor standings after 13 rounds
02:46 PMDriver standings after 13 rounds - Top 10
Driver standings after 13 rounds - Top 10
Still so tight up there. Bottas looking a bit better for third in the championship after a difficult weekend for Norris.
02:43 PMHamilton reacts to a good second
What a race, what a crowd. Max did an amazing job, congratulations to him. They were just too quick for us. I've had an amazing time here in Holland, thanks to the crowd. It was very hard to navigate through the traffic but they just had the upper edge – it's very hard to follow here. This track is just incredible on a single lap.
02:41 PMVerstappen reacts to a very popular win
As you can hear already it's just incredible. The expectations were very high and it's never easy to fulfil that. So happy to win here... to take the lead in the championship. It's just an amazing day. It's definitely a very good day. The start was very important, we did that very well. Mercedes did their best to make it difficult for us.
02:40 PMNot sure Hamilton could have done much more
Hamilton reacts to a good second
What a race, what a crowd. Max did an amazing job, congratulations to him. They were just too quick for us. I've had an amazing time here in Holland, thanks to the crowd. It was very hard to navigate through the traffic but they just had the upper edge – it's very hard to follow here. This track is just incredible on a single lap.
02:41 PMVerstappen reacts to a very popular win
As you can hear already it's just incredible. The expectations were very high and it's never easy to fulfil that. So happy to win here... to take the lead in the championship. It's just an amazing day. It's definitely a very good day. The start was very important, we did that very well. Mercedes did their best to make it difficult for us.
02:40 PMNot sure Hamilton could have done much more
Verstappen reacts to a very popular win
As you can hear already it's just incredible. The expectations were very high and it's never easy to fulfil that. So happy to win here... to take the lead in the championship. It's just an amazing day. It's definitely a very good day. The start was very important, we did that very well. Mercedes did their best to make it difficult for us.
02:40 PMNot sure Hamilton could have done much more
Not sure Hamilton could have done much more
Was within two or three seconds of Verstappen for the entire race but just didn't have the pace to challenge.
02:38 PMThat's a popular win
The party has started in The Netherlands 🟠🕺💃#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/Wo2adTNw65
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
02:37 PMDUTCH GRAND PRIX - CLASSIFICATION
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- ALO
- SAI
- PER
- OCO
- NOR
- RIC
- STR
- VET
- GIO
- KUB
- LAT
- RUS
- MSC
That's a popular win
The party has started in The Netherlands 🟠🕺💃#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 @Max33Verstappen pic.twitter.com/Wo2adTNw65
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
02:37 PMDUTCH GRAND PRIX - CLASSIFICATION
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- ALO
- SAI
- PER
- OCO
- NOR
- RIC
- STR
- VET
- GIO
- KUB
- LAT
- RUS
- MSC
DUTCH GRAND PRIX - CLASSIFICATION
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- ALO
- SAI
- PER
- OCO
- NOR
- RIC
- STR
- VET
- GIO
- KUB
- LAT
- RUS
- MSC
OUT: TSU, MAZ
Pérez takes eighth in the closing stages and Alonso nabs sixth from his fellow Spaniard.
02:35 PMMAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE 2021 DUTCH GRAND PRIX
MAX VERSTAPPEN WINS THE 2021 DUTCH GRAND PRIX
He retakes the championship lead! A flawless performance and the home crowd go wild! Simply lovely.
Hamilton goes green in the first sector, fastest in the middle sector...
Does he get the fastest lap point? He does, quite comfortably. A consolation point. Mercedes were in this race without really being in it, if that makes sense.
02:34 PMFINAL LAP
FINAL LAP
Verstappen has barely put a foot wrong and Hamilton has been close all day. But not close enough...
Can Hamilton get this fastest lap point on the last lap?
02:33 PMLap 71 of 72 - Hamilton pits
Lap 71 of 72 - Hamilton pits
So he has one attempt to get that fastest lap point back. That Bottas/Hamilton situation is quite funny.
Reckon Hamilton should be able to do it as he doesn't have any traffic ahead.
02:32 PMLap 70 of 72 - If you were Bottas, would you go for fastest lap over Hamilton?
Lap 70 of 72 - If you were Bottas, would you go for fastest lap over Hamilton?
Despite being told not to? He's likely already been told he's not going to be in place at the team next year.
He's told to abort the fastest lap attempt by James Vowles but he doesn't...
He claims the fastest lap point... despite this...
02:30 PMLap 69 of 72 - Bottas not going for fastest lap, apparently
Lap 69 of 72 - Bottas not going for fastest lap, apparently
Sounds like they are going to pit Hamilton, then?
02:29 PMLap 68 of 72 - Gasly is lapped in fourth
Lap 68 of 72 - Gasly is lapped in fourth
And Bottas pits. It's a very slow one but surely they won't try and take the fastest lap point off Hamilton? Unless they then pit Hamilton to try and definitely gain the fastest lap point. The gap is only about three seconds, though.
02:28 PMLap 67 of 72 - Pérez and Norris had a bit of a coming together earlier in the lap
Lap 67 of 72 - Pérez and Norris had a bit of a coming together earlier in the lap
Norris into the right side of the Red Bull at turn one/two.
LAP 70/72
Contact between Perez and Norris! 💥
It's only minor though and both cars seem ok #DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/43Vh48PKJm— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
"That was not very fair," the Mexican says.
02:27 PMLap 66 of 72 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +4.1
- BOT +26.6
- GAS +70.6
- LEC +1L
- SAI +1L
- ALO +1L
- OCO +1L
- PER +1L
- NOR +1L
Lap 66 of 72 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +4.1
- BOT +26.6
- GAS +70.6
- LEC +1L
- SAI +1L
- ALO +1L
- OCO +1L
- PER +1L
- NOR +1L
A slight lock up from Verstappen into the chicane. Pérez now up into ninth, moving ahead of Norris.
02:25 PMLap 65 of 72 - Alonso has closed up on Sainz
Lap 65 of 72 - Alonso has closed up on Sainz
Sainz has slipped back a fair amount. One to watch, finally.
02:24 PMLap 64 of 72 - Driver of the day?
Lap 64 of 72 - Driver of the day?
Can't really be anyone but Verstappen, can it? Has there actually been any change in the top 10? Not much...
02:23 PMLap 63 of 72 - Serious shade from Verstappen
Lap 63 of 72 - Serious shade from Verstappen
He's told the gap to Hamilton is at 3.8.
"Is he complaining about something, or what?" he asks his engineer. "I think his tyres are done," comes the reply from Verstappen's race engineer.
02:22 PMLap 62 of 72 - Sorry, have run out of things to say
Lap 62 of 72 - Sorry, have run out of things to say
Hardly anything happening here. Such a shame to have such a dull race after a non-existent one last week.
02:21 PMLap 61 of 72 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by four seconds
Lap 61 of 72 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by four seconds
Is that it? Could be...
02:20 PMLap 60 of 72 - Verstappen extends his lead
Lap 60 of 72 - Verstappen extends his lead
It's over three seconds now. Biggest battle on the track is still Stroll and Russell for 12th. The Williams ahead at the moment.
02:18 PMLap 59 of 72 - Top 15
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- SAI
- ALO
- OCO
- NOR
- PER
- RIC
- RUS
- STR
- LAT
- GIO
02:17 PMLap 58 of 72 - Think Russell's slim chance of points has disappeared
Lap 59 of 72 - Top 15
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- SAI
- ALO
- OCO
- NOR
- PER
- RIC
- RUS
- STR
- LAT
- GIO
02:17 PMLap 58 of 72 - Think Russell's slim chance of points has disappeared
Lap 58 of 72 - Think Russell's slim chance of points has disappeared
This race really needs some drama...
02:16 PMLap 57 of 72 - Hamilton says he had a power cut through turn seven
Lap 57 of 72 - Hamilton says he had a power cut through turn seven
He's told there's nothing to worry about. He posts the quickest first sector of the race. I don't think this race is over yet...
1.9s between Hamilton and Verstappen at the end of the lap.
LAP 57/72
Hamilton closing up on Verstappen - he's been flying over the last few laps
Both navigate some traffic and the gap is 1.6s with 15 laps to go#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/zfjzmnkFbQ— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
15 laps to go.
02:15 PMLap 56 of 72 - The gap down again to within two seconds
Lap 56 of 72 - The gap down again to within two seconds
Lapped cars playing a role here...
02:14 PMLap 55 of 72 - Gasly doing an excellent job
Lap 55 of 72 - Gasly doing an excellent job
As he has done all season. Running ahead of the Ferraris all day. Pérez gets Ricciardo and into the points. He could end up seventh here, I think. Sixth is a step too far.
02:13 PMLap 54 of 72 - Is this Hamilton's chance?
Lap 54 of 72 - Is this Hamilton's chance?
They're not going to three stop. Or are they? Some confused messages from his team. Hamilton is certainly confused as to what to do. Verstappen gets held up by Kubica at the start of the lap but Hamilton has the same issue with Vettel. Think that ends up working better for Verstappen, whose lead is now over two seconds again.
02:12 PMLap 53 of 72 - Tell you what... Hamilton is closing here
Lap 53 of 72 - Tell you what... Hamilton is closing here
Verstappen approaching traffic in lapping Vettel and Kubica for a second time.
The gap is now under 1.5s...
02:10 PMLap 52 of 72 - Tsunoda has become the second man to retire
lap 50/72: @yukitsunoda07 has unfortunately retired from the race as the team found an issue on the PU data pic.twitter.com/kBPUlofaxO
— Scuderia AlphaTauri (@AlphaTauriF1) September 5, 2021
02:09 PMLap 51 of 72 - Verstappen's lead slips to below three seconds
Lap 52 of 72 - Tsunoda has become the second man to retire
lap 50/72: @yukitsunoda07 has unfortunately retired from the race as the team found an issue on the PU data pic.twitter.com/kBPUlofaxO
— Scuderia AlphaTauri (@AlphaTauriF1) September 5, 2021
02:09 PMLap 51 of 72 - Verstappen's lead slips to below three seconds
Lap 51 of 72 - Verstappen's lead slips to below three seconds
Hamilton on the charge? "Killing my tyres trying to keep up," he says. Might they try a three-stop?
02:08 PMLap 50 of 72 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +3.1
- BOT +16.2
- GAS +51.6
- LEC +57.6
- SAI +70.8
- ALO +1lap
- OCO +1L
- NOR +1L
- RIC +1L
02:06 PMLap 49 of 72 - We've had a great season so far
Lap 50 of 72 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +3.1
- BOT +16.2
- GAS +51.6
- LEC +57.6
- SAI +70.8
- ALO +1lap
- OCO +1L
- NOR +1L
- RIC +1L
02:06 PMLap 49 of 72 - We've had a great season so far
Lap 49 of 72 - We've had a great season so far
But this has been far from a great race. In fact, it has been one of the dullest in recent years. French Grand Prix 2019? Not quite as there has been some intrigue at the front. But intrigue? We need a bit more than that...
02:05 PMLap 48 of 72 - Two-thirds distance
Lap 48 of 72 - Two-thirds distance
Hamilton still not happy about his tyres as Pérez pits from seventh.
02:03 PMLap 47 of 72 - Verstappen's lead back to 3.6s
Lap 47 of 72 - Verstappen's lead back to 3.6s
Ocon back on Alonso's rear wing. Stroll still right behind Russell, but the Briton still has a five-second penalty to serve, I believe.
02:01 PMLap 46 of 72 - Full order
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- SAI
- PER
- ALO
- OCO
- RIC
- NOR
- RUS
- STR
- TSU
- LAT
- VET
- GIO
- KUB
- MSC
Lap 46 of 72 - Full order
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- SAI
- PER
- ALO
- OCO
- RIC
- NOR
- RUS
- STR
- TSU
- LAT
- VET
- GIO
- KUB
- MSC
OUT: MAZ
Mazepin has retired. Missed that one.
LAP 44/72
It's an early finish for Nikita Mazepin - he becomes the first driver to retire at Zandvoort today 👀#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/tpBRTjtN89— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
02:01 PMLap 45 of 72 - "There's a damn long way to go on this tyre, man"
Lap 45 of 72 - "There's a damn long way to go on this tyre, man"
Hamilton questioning his tyre choice again. He's closed the gap a little but Verstappen was lapping the Alpine of Alonso. Next car he has to lap on the track is Pérez...
01:59 PMLap 44 of 73 - Not joking here
Lap 44 of 73 - Not joking here
But I think the non-existent Belgian Grand Prix was more exciting than this one.
01:58 PMLap 43 of 73 - Hamilton with decent pace
Lap 43 of 73 - Hamilton with decent pace
How much extra pace will the mediums give him over Verstappen? You would expect the advantage to be early on in the stint, which is now...
01:57 PMLap 42 of 72 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +3.1
- BOT +8.9
- GAS +32.3
- LEC +44.3
- SAI +54.4
- NOR +64.7
- PER +65.9
- ALO +68.1
- OCO +69.2
Lap 42 of 72 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +3.1
- BOT +8.9
- GAS +32.3
- LEC +44.3
- SAI +54.4
- NOR +64.7
- PER +65.9
- ALO +68.1
- OCO +69.2
Norris yet to stop.
01:56 PMLap 41 of 72 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by three seconds after those stops
Lap 41 of 72 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by three seconds after those stops
It was something a bit different for Mercedes that was worth trying...
01:55 PMLap 40 of 72 - Hamilton: "Why would you pit me with these guys, man?"
Lap 40 of 72 - Hamilton: "Why would you pit me with these guys, man?"
Hamilton not too happy about that. Verstappen comes in for his stop to respond but has to go onto the hard tyres. He's going to keep the lead but by how much?
01:53 PMLap 39 of 72 - Verstappen puts the hammer down
Lap 39 of 72 - Verstappen puts the hammer down
His lead is extending and extending. Hamilton comes in quite early for his second stop... he goes onto a set of mediums. What will Red Bull do? They have to respond. Hamilton is going to come out in traffic here...
01:53 PMLap 38 of 73 - Hamilton lost half a second last lap
Lap 38 of 73 - Hamilton lost half a second last lap
The gap now 2.4s. Verstappen will be wary of the undercut, of course.
01:51 PMLap 37 of 72 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 1.5s
Lap 37 of 72 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 1.5s
Hamilton currently holds the fastest lap point. Yellow flag in sector one... double yellows in fact. Looks like Vettel has gone around. He gets it going again, though, but is now down to P17. The first yellow flag we've had all day. He lost the rear on entry to turn three...
Bottas actually locked up behind him, had to go around the outside, very high up the banking, to avoid a collision. That would have been nasty. Bottas loses 1.5s there.
01:49 PMLap 36 of 72 - Will Bottas stop again?
Lap 36 of 72 - Will Bottas stop again?
He's in third, so could come into play again in the final third of the race if he only one-stops.
01:48 PMLap 35 of 73 - Looking like a good race for Ferrari
Lap 35 of 73 - Looking like a good race for Ferrari
Fifth and sixth compared to McLaren's seventh and 11th.
01:48 PMLap 34 of 72 - Giovinazzi stops again
Lap 34 of 72 - Giovinazzi stops again
That's a bid odd. He had only done six laps on those medium tyres. Not sure what that's all about. Leclerc finally stops as well and comes out in fifth.
01:47 PMLap 33 of 72 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +1.6
- BOT +25.2
- LEC +30.4
- GAS +43.2
- ALO +49.5
- SAI +13.7
- NOR +64.6
- PER +65.8
- OCO +72.6
Lap 33 of 72 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +1.6
- BOT +25.2
- LEC +30.4
- GAS +43.2
- ALO +49.5
- SAI +13.7
- NOR +64.6
- PER +65.8
- OCO +72.6
Leclerc, Alonso and Norris have not stopped. Five-second time penalty for Russell for speeding in the pit lane.
01:45 PMLap 32 of 72 - "He's getting super lucky with traffic, man," says Hamilton of Verstappen
Lap 32 of 72 - "He's getting super lucky with traffic, man," says Hamilton of Verstappen
Okay... not sure if Hamilton was held up at some point that we didn't see.
They are approaching Ocon now. To lap him.
01:44 PMLap 31 of 72 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 1.6s
Lap 31 of 72 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 1.6s
Bottas did a job there, no doubt. Has that affected Red Bull's tyre wear? Verstappen puts nearly a second on Hamilton that lap, though...
Bottas pits and comes out in third on the mediums.
01:42 PMLap 30 of 72 - This is the critical period of the race
Lap 30 of 72 - This is the critical period of the race
Verstappen can't afford to spend too much time in the dirty air. But Hamilton has dropped back a little now. At least he doesn't seem to be pushing super hard to get on the back of Verstappen. Bottas will be trying to drive the widest car on the track...
Bottas runs wide into the chicane and that compromises his exit at the final turn... Verstappen gets DRS and goes past easily to retake the lead ...Bottas then lets Hamilton through at turn two and the gap for the lead is now under a second!
LAP 32/72
Verstappen gets past Bottas to reclaim P1 👀
And a few seconds later, Bottas lets Hamilton through to take P2
Game on at Zandvoort...#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/AtptitkQ1l— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
01:41 PMLap 29 of 72 - Bottas has Verstappen on his rear wing now
Lap 29 of 72 - Bottas has Verstappen on his rear wing now
Hamilton has an Alfa Romeo in between himself and Verstappen. Verstappen isn't close enough into turn one to attempt a move, so that has worked well for Hamilton.
01:39 PMLap 28 of 72 - Verstappen has a huge pace advantage over Bottas
Lap 28 of 72 - Verstappen has a huge pace advantage over Bottas
But we saw how difficult it was for Pérez to pass even Mazepin in the Haas. Verstappen is going to have to be clinical here...
01:39 PMLap 27 of 72 - "It's going to be absolutely critical to catch and pass, if we can"
Lap 27 of 72 - "It's going to be absolutely critical to catch and pass, if we can"
Verstappen made aware of the Bottas situation. He's within 2.4s of the Finn and current race leader now. Not easy to overtake here, at least not without taking a risk.
01:37 PMLap 26 of 72 - Hamilton working these mediums better
Lap 26 of 72 - Hamilton working these mediums better
This has been the story of the season, in fairness. Mercedes seem to enjoy them better. Bottas is struggling on the tyres, running wide at the exit of turn three. He knows he will be left out for a few more laps, though, with Verstappen closing in quickly.
Hamilton within 1.2s of the Dutchman now.
01:36 PMLap 25 of 72 - Full order
Lap 25 of 72 - Full order
Pit stops coming thick and fast now... Gasly the latest man in.
BOT
VER
HAM
LEC
SAI
ALO
GAS
OCO
RIC
GIO
RUS
STR
NOR
PER
TSU
KUB
VET
MAZ
LAT
MSC
01:34 PMLap 24 of 72 - Third race distance gone
Lap 24 of 72 - Third race distance gone
Pérez now up to 14th with another move at the chicane, this time on Tsunoda.
01:34 PMLap 23 of 72 - Let's see what Verstappen can do on his first full lap on new tyres
Lap 23 of 72 - Let's see what Verstappen can do on his first full lap on new tyres
Hamilton set a 1:13.737 the last time around... Verstappen does a 1:14.223. Bottas a 1:15.958. Verstappen will be on him in the next four or five laps.
01:32 PMLap 22 of 72 - Bottas could act as a blocker here
Lap 22 of 72 - Bottas could act as a blocker here
He's nine seconds up the road from Verstappen but if he stays out that will be erased very quickly. That could give Hamilton chance of closign the gap. Hamilton is currently flying – the gap to Verstappen is now only 1.7s.
01:31 PMLap 21 of 72 - Hamilton stops at the end of lap 20
Lap 21 of 72 - Hamilton stops at the end of lap 20
Looks a nailed on two-stopper as he goes onto the medium tyres. He comes out in third, with a clear track. 15 seconds behind Bottas. It's a slightly slow stop but nothing that is going to cost him a position.
Verstappen then follows Hamilton and comes in. Makes sense, Hamilton was setting good sector times on his fresh tyres. No need to do anything different to what Mercedes do currently.
01:29 PMLap 20 of 72 - Top 10
- VER
- HAM +3.6
- BOT +10.7
- GAS +29.4
- LEC +31.5
- SAI +37.9
- ALO +48.9
- OCO +52.3
- RIC +55.4
- GIO +58.1
01:28 PMLap 19 of 72 - I don't want to be too pessimistic
Lap 20 of 72 - Top 10
- VER
- HAM +3.6
- BOT +10.7
- GAS +29.4
- LEC +31.5
- SAI +37.9
- ALO +48.9
- OCO +52.3
- RIC +55.4
- GIO +58.1
01:28 PMLap 19 of 72 - I don't want to be too pessimistic
Lap 19 of 72 - I don't want to be too pessimistic
But this is not shaping up to be a classic race of the 2021 season.
Pérez up to 16th now with a nice move into the chicane on Latifi. On the outside and then the inside. Hamilton getting a ton of instructions about adjusting settings on his steering wheel. No idea what for.
01:26 PMLap 18 of 72 - Bottas gets the hurry-up
Lap 18 of 72 - Bottas gets the hurry-up
"Valtteri, at this pace we are not going to interact with the leaders," he is told. He's seven seconds behind Hamilton. A gentle afternoon drive to a comfortable third? Why not...
01:25 PMLap 17 of 72 - Hamilton back on the pace of Verstappen
Lap 17 of 72 - Hamilton back on the pace of Verstappen
So that half a second must have been an error somewhere. They haven't had to lap anyone on track yet.
01:24 PMLap 16 of 72 - Pérez does get Mazepin
Lap 16 of 72 - Pérez does get Mazepin
He's now up to 17th.
LAP 17/72
After several laps looking for an opening, Perez finally gets past Mazepin and is up into P17
And then immediately sets the fastest lap of the race so far 🚀#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/602oNA58XC— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
01:23 PMLap 15 of 72 - Where are the biggest battles on track currently?
Lap 15 of 72 - Where are the biggest battles on track currently?
For 17th Pérez and Mazepin, still... that's the only position where one driver is within a second of the other. Oh, and Stroll vs Russell for 11th. So hard to overtake here as is being proven.
01:22 PMLap 14 of 72 - Hamilton loses half a second to Hamilton last lap
Lap 14 of 72 - Hamilton loses half a second to Hamilton last lap
Not sure how that happened. Tyres? 14 laps on them this race plus what they did yesterday.
01:21 PMLap 13 of 72 - Sounds like Verstappen is going long
Lap 13 of 72 - Sounds like Verstappen is going long
His lead is back up to three seconds again. Lapping very similarly to Hamilton. Bottas a little further off the pace. The gaps to the remainder of the field are enormous already.
01:19 PMLap 12 of 72 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +2.8
- BOT +8.3
- GAS +19.6
- LEC +22.9
- SAI +27.8
- ALO +36.4
- OCO +38.0
- RIC +39.6
- GIO +40.9
01:18 PMLap 11 of 72 - Russell in 11th under pressure from Stroll
Lap 12 of 72 - Top 10 and gaps
- VER
- HAM +2.8
- BOT +8.3
- GAS +19.6
- LEC +22.9
- SAI +27.8
- ALO +36.4
- OCO +38.0
- RIC +39.6
- GIO +40.9
01:18 PMLap 11 of 72 - Russell in 11th under pressure from Stroll
Lap 11 of 72 - Russell in 11th under pressure from Stroll
Giovinazzi in 10th is 1.1s ahead of Russell. Chance of points for the Williams driver for the third race in a row? Yes. Vettel pits from down the order and goes onto the hard tyres. Pérez has now set the new fastest lap with a 1:14.596 on the medium tyres.
01:16 PMLap 10 of 72 - Hamilton sets the fastest lap
Lap 10 of 72 - Hamilton sets the fastest lap
Looks like he's moving onto a two-stop strategy now. This could be interesting...
The gap down to under three-seconds now, just. What do Red Bull do here?
01:15 PMLap 9 of 72 - Pérez pits already
Lap 9 of 72 - Pérez pits already
Changing his flat-spotted hard tyres for something else. Bit of a miserable couple of weeks for him since announcing his new contract. He's not far off being lapped...
01:14 PMLap 8 of 72 - Running order
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- SAI
- ALO
- OCO
- RIC
- GIO
- RUS
- STR
- NOR
- TSU
- VET
- KUB
- MAZ
- PER
- LAT
- MSC
01:13 PMLap 7 of 72 - Verstappen leads by 3.1s
Lap 8 of 72 - Running order
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- SAI
- ALO
- OCO
- RIC
- GIO
- RUS
- STR
- NOR
- TSU
- VET
- KUB
- MAZ
- PER
- LAT
- MSC
01:13 PMLap 7 of 72 - Verstappen leads by 3.1s
Lap 7 of 72 - Verstappen leads by 3.1s
Schumacher had a collision with someone and had a nose change at that pit stop. Not sure who. Pérez makes a big error at turn one and locks up, flat spotting his front right. Not ideal when he should be going long on them.
LAP 5/72
Gap between Verstappen (P1) and Hamilton (P2) is close to three seconds already ⏱️#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/gH5Q8wvaZR— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
01:11 PMLap 6 of 72 - Pérez has not made any progress
Lap 6 of 72 - Pérez has not made any progress
He's behind Mazepin, albeit in DRS range. Still in 18th, though, having only moved ahead of the pitting Mick Schumacher.
01:10 PMLap 5 of 72 - Ocon and Alonso duelling at turn three
Lap 5 of 72 - Ocon and Alonso duelling at turn three
Alonso takes the high banking and Ocon tries the inside but can't make it stick... think he had to get out of it to avoid a collision which he had to do.
Mick Schumacher makes an early stop and goes onto the hard tyres. Hamilton says his soft tyres are struggling to hold the pace.
01:09 PMLap 4 of 72 - Giovinazzi nudged Alonso's rear on lap one
Lap 4 of 72 - Giovinazzi nudged Alonso's rear on lap one
Think he managed to avoid any real damage but it could have been a bit of a mess.
Verstappen's lead stabilising at 2.3s. Gasly holding fourth but is dropping off the back of Bottas, as would be expected. Nearly four seconds behind.
01:07 PMLap 3 of 72 - Top 15
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- SAI
- ALO
- OCO
- RIC
- GIO
- RUS
- STR
- NOR
- TSU
- VET
01:07 PMLap 2 of 72 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 2.2s
Lap 3 of 72 - Top 15
- VER
- HAM
- BOT
- GAS
- LEC
- SAI
- ALO
- OCO
- RIC
- GIO
- RUS
- STR
- NOR
- TSU
- VET
01:07 PMLap 2 of 72 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 2.2s
Lap 2 of 72 - Verstappen leads Hamilton by 2.2s
Verstappen well in the process of disappearing up the road... Bottas is 1.5s behind Hamilton. The key for Verstappen is to get out of undercut range from both Mercedes cars.
"Ricciardo is smoking and dropping oil," Russell says of the McLaren.
01:05 PMTHE 2021 DUTCH GRAND PRIX IS GO!
THE 2021 DUTCH GRAND PRIX IS GO!
It's a good start from Verstappen who moves over to cover Hamilton. Verstappen opens up a few car lengths very early on. It's quite congested at the back but everyone makes it through the tight turns two and three safely. The gap from Verstappen to Hamilton is 1.6s as they enter the final sector already...
01:04 PMA fair amount or orange flare smoke around on the formation lap
A fair amount or orange flare smoke around on the formation lap
Verstappen leads them around to form up on the grid. Pérez waits at the exit of the pit-lane. I can't wait for this. Thankfully I don't have to wait much longer...
We're nearly set...
01:02 PMFORMATION LAP IS GO
FORMATION LAP IS GO
The clock tick around to 2pm and Max Verstappen leads them away.
Everyone in the top 10 is on the soft tyres – Pérez as predicted on the hards. Russell in 11th, Norris in 13th, Kubica in 16th, Mazepin in 18th and Latifi from the pit lane on mediums.
12:56 PMWhat can Pérez do from the pit lane?
What can Pérez do from the pit lane?
I think a few points would be a decent result. With a handily-timed Safety Car, though, you never know. Going to assume he starts on the hard tyres.
12:52 PMPredictions?
Predictions?
I would be surprised if we manage to avoid a yellow flag or worse in the opening couple of laps. T1-T3 allows a variety of different lines and the barriers are very close in to the top of the banking as you exit into the fast sweepers, which are also very narrow. Someone is no doubt going to try to be a hero. Usually it happens at the middle or the back where things are bunched quite closely... it could happen at the front.
Mercedes hold the tactical advantage with two cars in the top three as opposed to Red Bull's one. As Toto Wolff pointed out, though, Pierre Gasly in the Red Bull sister team is in fourth. He could get ahead of one or both Mercedes cars, especially given how poor Bottas has been at starts recently.
12:46 PM15 minutes to go
15 minutes to go
And the circuit is as quiet as it has been all weekend as the national anthem of the Netherlands is observed. A little less Eurovision than the one we had in Austria earlier in the year.
12:41 PMFinal starting grid for the Dutch GP
Final starting grid for the Dutch GP
1. VER 2. HAM
3. BOT 4. GAS
5. LEC 6. SAI
7. GIO 8. OCO
9. ALO 10. RIC
11. RUS 12. STR
13. NOR 14. TSU
15. VET 16. KUB
17. MSC 18. MAZ
PIT LANE: LAT, PER
12:36 PMThink a Max Verstappen win would be popular?
Max Verstappen emerges and the crowd goes wild! It's a sea of orange! 🧡#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/2W2P5l9B0G
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
Think a Max Verstappen win would be popular?
Max Verstappen emerges and the crowd goes wild! It's a sea of orange! 🧡#DutchGP 🇳🇱 #F1 pic.twitter.com/2W2P5l9B0G
— Formula 1 (@F1) September 5, 2021
Verstappen has single-handedly revived F1 interest in the Netherlands.
12:35 PMEven from here, the atmosphere looks amazing
Even from here, the atmosphere looks amazing
Plenty of flares let off when Max did his lap out of the pits and onto the grid.
12:25 PMStrategy chat from Pirelli
What’s the quickest way to the 🟠podium? 🏁🔮🏆 #Fit4F1 🇳🇱 #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/1Ewe1I3tcs
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) September 5, 2021
Strategy chat from Pirelli
What’s the quickest way to the 🟠podium? 🏁🔮🏆 #Fit4F1 🇳🇱 #DutchGP pic.twitter.com/1Ewe1I3tcs
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) September 5, 2021
A one-stopper the quickest. With the high likelihood of a Safety Car, strategy could be divergent and the winner might end up two-stopping. That said, there has been a warning about teams double stacking their cars in the very tight pit lane. Could work out well for some and not for others.
12:22 PMA royal fist bump for Max
🦁🤜🤛👑 pic.twitter.com/A71A5FCsJW
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) September 5, 2021
12:16 PMHamilton speaks on the driver parade
"Today is going to be so difficult. It's my first time on the heavy fuel on this track with these tyres. I think Max was quicker than us on the long run on Friday – it's going to be tough to keep up with him. There's strategy we can play. If we can keep up with Max we can hopefully apply a little bit of pressure. We just need to keep ourselves in the game. "
A royal fist bump for Max
🦁🤜🤛👑 pic.twitter.com/A71A5FCsJW
— Max Verstappen (@Max33Verstappen) September 5, 2021
12:16 PMHamilton speaks on the driver parade
"Today is going to be so difficult. It's my first time on the heavy fuel on this track with these tyres. I think Max was quicker than us on the long run on Friday – it's going to be tough to keep up with him. There's strategy we can play. If we can keep up with Max we can hopefully apply a little bit of pressure. We just need to keep ourselves in the game. "
Hamilton speaks on the driver parade
"Today is going to be so difficult. It's my first time on the heavy fuel on this track with these tyres. I think Max was quicker than us on the long run on Friday – it's going to be tough to keep up with him. There's strategy we can play. If we can keep up with Max we can hopefully apply a little bit of pressure. We just need to keep ourselves in the game. "
Doesn't sound too optimistic but he's got a good chance of a win here today, no doubt.
12:16 PMWatch: A very bad five minutes for Williams yesterday in Q2
12:09 PMCurrent constructor standings
12:04 PMA word for Antonio Giovinazzi
Watch: A very bad five minutes for Williams yesterday in Q2
12:09 PMCurrent constructor standings
12:04 PMA word for Antonio Giovinazzi
Current constructor standings
12:04 PMA word for Antonio Giovinazzi
A word for Antonio Giovinazzi
He will line up a superb seventh after his equal-best qualifying yesterday. He has been on it all weekend and has yet to confirm his place at Alfa Romeo for next year.
His usual team-mate, Kimi Raikkonen, is absent this weekend after testing positive for Covid-19. Reserve driver Robert Kubica steps in to replace him and did a decent job to get 18th on the grid yesterday after limited time in the car.
11:57 AMCurrent driver standings - Top 12
Current driver standings - Top 12
Will the drivers' championship lead change hands again today?
11:51 AMWatch: Onboard for Max Verstappen's pole lap
Watch: Onboard for Max Verstappen's pole lap
And he did it without using DRS on the pit straight. That would have cost him somewhere between a tenth and two.
11:46 AMQualifying times
- Max Verstappen (Ned) Red Bull 1min 08.885secs
- Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1:08.923
- Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Mercedes GP 1:09.222
- Pierre Gasly (Fra) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:09.478
- Charles Leclerc (Mon) Ferrari 1:09.527
- Carlos Sainz Jr (Spa) Ferrari. 1:09.537
- Antonio Giovinazzi (Ita) Alfa Romeo Racing 1:09.590
- Esteban Ocon (Fra) Alpine 1:09.933
- Fernando Alonso (Spa) Alpine 1:09.956
- Daniel Ricciardo (Aus) McLaren 1:10.166
- George Russell (Gbr) Williams 1:10.332
- Lance Stroll (Can) Aston Martin 1:10.367
- Lando Norris (Gbr) McLaren 1:10.406
- Nicholas Latifi (Can) Williams 1:11.161
- Yuki Tsunoda (Jpn) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:11.314
- Sergio Perez (Mex) Red Bull 1:10.530
- Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Aston Martin 1:10.731
- Robert Kubica (Pol) Alfa Romeo Racing 1:11.301
- Mick Schumacher (Ger) Haas F1 1:11.387
- Nikita Mazepin (Raf) Haas F1 1:11.875
11:33 AMWeather forecast for the today
Qualifying times
- Max Verstappen (Ned) Red Bull 1min 08.885secs
- Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1:08.923
- Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Mercedes GP 1:09.222
- Pierre Gasly (Fra) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:09.478
- Charles Leclerc (Mon) Ferrari 1:09.527
- Carlos Sainz Jr (Spa) Ferrari. 1:09.537
- Antonio Giovinazzi (Ita) Alfa Romeo Racing 1:09.590
- Esteban Ocon (Fra) Alpine 1:09.933
- Fernando Alonso (Spa) Alpine 1:09.956
- Daniel Ricciardo (Aus) McLaren 1:10.166
- George Russell (Gbr) Williams 1:10.332
- Lance Stroll (Can) Aston Martin 1:10.367
- Lando Norris (Gbr) McLaren 1:10.406
- Nicholas Latifi (Can) Williams 1:11.161
- Yuki Tsunoda (Jpn) Scuderia AlphaTauri 1:11.314
- Sergio Perez (Mex) Red Bull 1:10.530
- Sebastian Vettel (Ger) Aston Martin 1:10.731
- Robert Kubica (Pol) Alfa Romeo Racing 1:11.301
- Mick Schumacher (Ger) Haas F1 1:11.387
- Nikita Mazepin (Raf) Haas F1 1:11.875
11:33 AMWeather forecast for the today
Weather forecast for the today
Hint: reckon we should be able to get this race done, in full...
DUTCH GRAND PRIX WEATHER FORECAST
Clear and sunny for @F1's first visit to Zandvoort since 1985. Slightly warmer than in recent days with an afternoon high of around 21°C. A moderate breeze of 15–25 km/hr from the northeast. There is no risk of rain.#F1 | #DutchGP 🇳🇱 pic.twitter.com/XQOTqlrFND— MeteoMotorsport (@MeteoMotorsport) September 5, 2021
11:14 AMGood afternoon F1 fans
Good afternoon F1 fans
And welcome to our coverage for the 2021 Dutch Grand Prix from Zandvoort. It is the first Dutch Grand Prix since 1985, when only – of those on the grid today – Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Robert Kubica were born. Back then Niki Lauda won for McLaren in the final of his 25 Grands Prix victories.
Things have changed a little at Zandvoort since then, notably the enormous renovation which started a couple of years ago, to ready the track for Formula One cars. The biggest changes have been the introduction of some pretty steep banking around the track – particularly at turns one and three and the final turn.
How have the drivers fared with this unforgiving and old school circuit? It has been mixed, with several crashes and numerous red flags throughout Friday and Saturday. Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton did pretty well yesterday, though, with the home favourite taking pole and Hamilton digging a lap out of nowhere to just miss out on pole position. Valtteri Bottas was third for Mercedes and Pierre Gasly an excellent fourth for AlphaTauri. The Frenchman is having an excellent season again.
A few others did not fare so well. Lando Norris was only 13th, Sergio Pérez was knocked out in Q1 after failing to cross the line in time to start a new hot lap and both Williams cars crashed towards the end of Q2. George Russell escaped without too much damage and will start 11th but Nicholas Latifi's FW43B damaged enough to mean replacement parts and thus a start from the pit lane. Pérez will start there too as Red Bull made the decision for an entirely new new power unit (which had to come at some point this season). It makes sense, given his poor qualifying.
What can we expect from the race, then? The first lap is going to be crucial as usual. More so, perhaps given that the chances of overtaking look quite slim. There are a few question marks over strategy and tyre wear, though, and the chances of a Safety Car or red flag look pretty high going by what we have seen here so far.
To have Verstappen and Hamilton alongside one another on the front row again? What a prospect. I wonder if we will see a repeat of the duel on the first lap at Silverstone? Hopefully without the crash. We're going to find out...
Lights out at 2pm, we'll be here for all the build-up, live updates and reaction from it all.