P1racenews AI automatic summary:
The Formula 1 summer break concludes this weekend with the 15th round of the 2024 season, the Dutch Grand Prix.
After a three-week break, Formula 1 is set to return this weekend at the Dutch Grand Prix, marking the start of the second half of the 2024 season. The iconic Zandvoort circuit, which made a comeback to the F1 calendar in 2021, has been dominated by local hero Max Verstappen, who has won the race every year since its return. Verstappen has the chance to match Jim Clark’s record of winning the event four times in its long history dating back to 1952. The unique Zandvoort circuit poses a challenge for all teams due to its banked corners, especially Turn 3 and 14 which exert high forces on the tires. Pirelli has selected its hardest compounds for the race, with the hard tyre designated as C1, the medium as C2, and the soft as C3. With the possibility of rain, the intermediate and wet compounds may also come into play. Last season’s race saw an astonishing 82 pit stops due to the challenging nature of the circuit. Overtaking is difficult in Zandvoort, making a one-stop strategy the likely choice if conditions remain stable, while tire selection could vary based on temperature fluctuations. Lewis Hamilton was the sole driver to not start on the softest compound in last season’s race, showcasing the strategic complexity of the Dutch Grand Prix.
