On Friday McLaren drivers comfortably led in Zandvoort, although in the second practice Fernando Alonso was able to split them on the timesheet…
Lando Norris (1st): “Great to be back behind the wheel. At this track you immediately feel what a Formula 1 car is capable of.
A good start to the weekend. The results are tight, the rivals have been able to get closer than we'd like, but I hope that after analyzing the telemetry we'll find a way to improve.”
Oscar Piastri (3rd): “Good first day. Nice to be back in the cockpit, everything went well on Friday. The weather spoiled things a bit, but we picked up pace during the day and got more speed out of the car. We're in good shape.”
Lando Norris (1st): “Great to be back behind the wheel. At this track you immediately feel what a Formula 1 car is capable of.
A good start to the weekend. The results are tight, the rivals have been able to get closer than we'd like, but I hope that after analyzing the telemetry we'll find a way to improve.”
Oscar Piastri (3rd): “Good first day. Nice to be back in the cockpit, everything went well on Friday. The weather spoiled things a bit, but we picked up pace during the day and got more speed out of the car. We're in good shape.”
Hamilton: The balance needs to be improved on the fast lap.
In Friday practice at the Dutch Grand Prix the Ferrari drivers fell well short of the leaders. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc did not go into details about exactly what the car's problems are, but noted that they are finding it difficult to challenge McLaren and Aston Martin.
Lewis Hamilton (6th): "Great to be back on track. In the first practice the car was outside its optimal operating window, but we made encouraging progress between sessions.
There is still a lot to do to improve the balance for a fast lap, but over a long run the car looks more stable.
On this track qualifying plays a decisive role, so in the third practice we'll continue the work started on Saturday and try to improve."
Charles Leclerc (8th): "A difficult Friday. The second practice went somewhat better than the first, but we are far from the positions we want to be in.
In Friday practice at the Dutch Grand Prix the Ferrari drivers fell well short of the leaders. Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc did not go into details about exactly what the car's problems are, but noted that they are finding it difficult to challenge McLaren and Aston Martin.
Lewis Hamilton (6th): "Great to be back on track. In the first practice the car was outside its optimal operating window, but we made encouraging progress between sessions.
There is still a lot to do to improve the balance for a fast lap, but over a long run the car looks more stable.
On this track qualifying plays a decisive role, so in the third practice we'll continue the work started on Saturday and try to improve."
Charles Leclerc (8th): "A difficult Friday. The second practice went somewhat better than the first, but we are far from the positions we want to be in.
Berra: All three lineups can play their part in the race.
This time Pirelli offered the teams softer tyre compounds than usual and are positive about the effect achieved…
Simone Berra, chief engineer: “An interesting day, with a lot happening – teams tried to make the most of the available time, which was reduced by several red-flag stoppages. The main conclusion is that all three compounds will be able to play their part in the race. The Hard proved the most durable with the lowest level of wear, but at temperatures like today it can be slow to warm up and lacking in pace. The Medium provides the best balance between speed and stability, and the Soft tyres also showed good stability over long runs on some cars. Compared to C3, C4 tyres allowed drivers to gain more performance than we expected and did not suffer from wear over the distance.
This time Pirelli offered the teams softer tyre compounds than usual and are positive about the effect achieved…
Simone Berra, chief engineer: “An interesting day, with a lot happening – teams tried to make the most of the available time, which was reduced by several red-flag stoppages. The main conclusion is that all three compounds will be able to play their part in the race. The Hard proved the most durable with the lowest level of wear, but at temperatures like today it can be slow to warm up and lacking in pace. The Medium provides the best balance between speed and stability, and the Soft tyres also showed good stability over long runs on some cars. Compared to C3, C4 tyres allowed drivers to gain more performance than we expected and did not suffer from wear over the distance.
Russell: Looks like our race pace is good.
On Friday in Zandvoort George Russell posted the fourth-best time, although he admitted that so far the Mercedes is not working as efficiently as he'd like. His teammate was only 12th, and in addition in the first session Kimi Antonelli lost time because he couldn't keep the car on the track and it got stuck in the gravel.
George Russell (4th): "To be honest, it feels pretty good behind the wheel. It's great that after a two-week break we're back on track. The conditions were genuinely challenging for everyone — the wind is very strong, and Zandvoort has a lot of 180-degree turns, and when the car negotiates them the gusts affect it more than at other circuits.
Perhaps something similar happens at Silverstone, where it's felt on the entry and exit of corners.
On Friday in Zandvoort George Russell posted the fourth-best time, although he admitted that so far the Mercedes is not working as efficiently as he'd like. His teammate was only 12th, and in addition in the first session Kimi Antonelli lost time because he couldn't keep the car on the track and it got stuck in the gravel.
George Russell (4th): "To be honest, it feels pretty good behind the wheel. It's great that after a two-week break we're back on track. The conditions were genuinely challenging for everyone — the wind is very strong, and Zandvoort has a lot of 180-degree turns, and when the car negotiates them the gusts affect it more than at other circuits.
Perhaps something similar happens at Silverstone, where it's felt on the entry and exit of corners.
Hajar: The power unit in my car was replaced.
Liam Lawson set the 14th time in the second practice for the Dutch Grand Prix. The Racing Bulls driver said he was happy with the car, but they need to work on the pace.
His teammate Isaac Hajar missed the second practice due to a power unit problem right at the start of the session.
Liam Lawson (14th): "A tough day in Zandvoort on a very demanding track, and the results reflect that. Nevertheless, I felt comfortable in the car and it looked pretty good, but we'll see tomorrow.
Today we tried to make the most of the time available on track. We'll see what the weather is like tomorrow – it's quite unpredictable here. The team will keep working this evening to try to make gains for Saturday. As usual, the gaps are minimal, so every little detail matters.
Liam Lawson set the 14th time in the second practice for the Dutch Grand Prix. The Racing Bulls driver said he was happy with the car, but they need to work on the pace.
His teammate Isaac Hajar missed the second practice due to a power unit problem right at the start of the session.
Liam Lawson (14th): "A tough day in Zandvoort on a very demanding track, and the results reflect that. Nevertheless, I felt comfortable in the car and it looked pretty good, but we'll see tomorrow.
Today we tried to make the most of the time available on track. We'll see what the weather is like tomorrow – it's quite unpredictable here. The team will keep working this evening to try to make gains for Saturday. As usual, the gaps are minimal, so every little detail matters.
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Jonathan Wheatley's journey to becoming an F1 Team Principal began with a near car crash.
Clive Rose
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If you believe that certain paths are destined, then it’s easy to see Jonathan Wheatley as a natural fit for brilliance in Formula 1. Although I didn't inquire whether Audi's inaugural team principal and current Sauber F1 leader believes in fate, instinct tells me he’s aware of his life's purpose to win championships.
From working on Michael Schumacher's Benetton in the '90s to assisting Fernando Alonso’s Renault in the 2000s, and contributing to the growth of the Red Bull Racing organization over the last twenty years, Wheatley’s journey from mechanic to exceptional boss has spanned 35 years.
Clive Rose
Subscribe to The Drive’s daily newsletter
Stay updated with the latest automotive news, reviews, and features.
If you believe that certain paths are destined, then it’s easy to see Jonathan Wheatley as a natural fit for brilliance in Formula 1. Although I didn't inquire whether Audi's inaugural team principal and current Sauber F1 leader believes in fate, instinct tells me he’s aware of his life's purpose to win championships.
From working on Michael Schumacher's Benetton in the '90s to assisting Fernando Alonso’s Renault in the 2000s, and contributing to the growth of the Red Bull Racing organization over the last twenty years, Wheatley’s journey from mechanic to exceptional boss has spanned 35 years.
Aston Martin F1 becomes McLaren's primary competitor at Zandvoort.
"We're in a good position with them."
Aston Martin surprised everyone at Zandvoort by emerging as the closest competitor to McLaren after the first practice session for the Dutch Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso was the standout performer, with Red Bull's Helmut Marko acknowledging, "Something changed after Budapest that is truly effective." Carlos Sainz from Williams concurred, stating, "In Hungary, they were near pole position. I’m not sure if they match McLaren’s level, but they are competing with Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull in qualifying."
While Alonso shone, his teammate Lance Stroll experienced another troubling moment, crashing heavily during practice. Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos remarked on Ziggo Sport, "I saw him in the paddock later on a scooter, and he looked bored again.
"We're in a good position with them."
Aston Martin surprised everyone at Zandvoort by emerging as the closest competitor to McLaren after the first practice session for the Dutch Grand Prix. Fernando Alonso was the standout performer, with Red Bull's Helmut Marko acknowledging, "Something changed after Budapest that is truly effective." Carlos Sainz from Williams concurred, stating, "In Hungary, they were near pole position. I’m not sure if they match McLaren’s level, but they are competing with Ferrari, Mercedes, and Red Bull in qualifying."
While Alonso shone, his teammate Lance Stroll experienced another troubling moment, crashing heavily during practice. Former F1 driver Robert Doornbos remarked on Ziggo Sport, "I saw him in the paddock later on a scooter, and he looked bored again.
Bottas acknowledges considering an Alpine opportunity prior to the Cadillac agreement.
"It’s been quite an eventful week."
Valtteri Bottas stated that his return to the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac was planned well before the official announcement made this week in New York. The 35-year-old Finnish driver, who faced challenges during his last season with Sauber in 2024 and has been serving as Mercedes’ reserve this year, suddenly found himself at the center of transfer rumors. Alpine even expressed interest in signing him. "It’s been quite an eventful week," Bottas said with a smile at Zandvoort during an interview with Viaplay.
Speculation suggests that the agreement was reached some time ago, which Bottas does not refute. "The initial discussions actually took place a couple of years ago," he disclosed. "We have maintained contact since then.
"It’s been quite an eventful week."
Valtteri Bottas stated that his return to the Formula 1 grid with Cadillac was planned well before the official announcement made this week in New York. The 35-year-old Finnish driver, who faced challenges during his last season with Sauber in 2024 and has been serving as Mercedes’ reserve this year, suddenly found himself at the center of transfer rumors. Alpine even expressed interest in signing him. "It’s been quite an eventful week," Bottas said with a smile at Zandvoort during an interview with Viaplay.
Speculation suggests that the agreement was reached some time ago, which Bottas does not refute. "The initial discussions actually took place a couple of years ago," he disclosed. "We have maintained contact since then.
Wolff introduces 400kph assertion into the discussion on the 2026 regulations.
"I don’t want to be positive or negative."
Toto Wolff added an element of curiosity to the discussion about the 2026 regulations by proposing that Formula 1's next-generation cars might reach an astonishing 400 kph. The Mercedes team principal acknowledged during the Zandvoort event that his comment was partly made in jest, as doubts grow regarding the new power unit regulations and aerodynamics. "Sounds good, doesn't it?" Wolff grinned. "Everyone's downplaying those engines, so I thought I'd see if there’s anything to be optimistic about. And the potential is there: if you utilize all the energy on a long straight, these cars could hit 400 kilometers an hour. But there wouldn’t be much electric energy left for the remaining corners of the circuit.
"I don’t want to be positive or negative."
Toto Wolff added an element of curiosity to the discussion about the 2026 regulations by proposing that Formula 1's next-generation cars might reach an astonishing 400 kph. The Mercedes team principal acknowledged during the Zandvoort event that his comment was partly made in jest, as doubts grow regarding the new power unit regulations and aerodynamics. "Sounds good, doesn't it?" Wolff grinned. "Everyone's downplaying those engines, so I thought I'd see if there’s anything to be optimistic about. And the potential is there: if you utilize all the energy on a long straight, these cars could hit 400 kilometers an hour. But there wouldn’t be much electric energy left for the remaining corners of the circuit.
Villeneuve perceives a 'peculiar' crisis at Ferrari.
"Lewis is not sensing the team's support behind him."
Ferrari's challenging 2025 season continued at Zandvoort while the storied team still holds onto second place in the constructors' championship. Lewis Hamilton, who earlier in the weekend expressed feeling reenergized after calling himself "useless" before the summer break, experienced a 360-degree spin during Friday's practice session. "Not much has changed," the seven-time world champion acknowledged. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, concurred that Ferrari faces a significant challenge ahead. "We’ll need to devise something brilliant overnight," he stated. "It was an extremely difficult Friday, arguably the worst of the season. And we're facing this right after the summer break, so it's a wake-up call for us."
1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve observes that Ferrari's issues run deeper than just results.
"Lewis is not sensing the team's support behind him."
Ferrari's challenging 2025 season continued at Zandvoort while the storied team still holds onto second place in the constructors' championship. Lewis Hamilton, who earlier in the weekend expressed feeling reenergized after calling himself "useless" before the summer break, experienced a 360-degree spin during Friday's practice session. "Not much has changed," the seven-time world champion acknowledged. His teammate, Charles Leclerc, concurred that Ferrari faces a significant challenge ahead. "We’ll need to devise something brilliant overnight," he stated. "It was an extremely difficult Friday, arguably the worst of the season. And we're facing this right after the summer break, so it's a wake-up call for us."
1997 world champion Jacques Villeneuve observes that Ferrari's issues run deeper than just results.
Marko postpones Tsunoda's call while Palou leaves the possibility open.
"You never reject something you haven't had the chance to consider."
Red Bull is not in a hurry to determine Yuki Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1, as advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has indicated that a decision will only be made in September or October. "We have extended the options and will observe a few more races," Marko stated to Sport1. "We aim to finalize our decision in September or October." This statement follows a week filled with speculation connecting Indycar standout Alex Palou to Tsunoda’s position for 2026. Although Palou, his team, and Chip Ganassi Racing denied the rumors, the Spaniard did not completely dismiss the possibilities. "You never say no to something that you haven’t heard," Palou said with a smile to the Indianapolis Star. "It’s good to have rumors.
"You never reject something you haven't had the chance to consider."
Red Bull is not in a hurry to determine Yuki Tsunoda’s future in Formula 1, as advisor Dr. Helmut Marko has indicated that a decision will only be made in September or October. "We have extended the options and will observe a few more races," Marko stated to Sport1. "We aim to finalize our decision in September or October." This statement follows a week filled with speculation connecting Indycar standout Alex Palou to Tsunoda’s position for 2026. Although Palou, his team, and Chip Ganassi Racing denied the rumors, the Spaniard did not completely dismiss the possibilities. "You never say no to something that you haven’t heard," Palou said with a smile to the Indianapolis Star. "It’s good to have rumors.
Briatore relaxed about Colapinto while Alpine considers Gasly agreement.
"Pierre is the foundation from which we must begin."
Flavio Briatore acknowledges that Alpine is losing patience with Franco Colapinto, despite the rookie claiming he has more to demonstrate in the latter half of the 2025 season. The 21-year-old Argentine driver was brought in on loan from Williams after Briatore persuaded Renault to invest significantly in the arrangement. However, following a challenging initial period, Briatore is reconsidering the timing.
"These cars are quite heavy and very fast," he remarked. "For a young driver to enter Formula 1, it may not have been the right moment for Franco. Perhaps he requires another year or two. He is working hard with the engineers to meet their expectations, but it’s not what I anticipated from Colapinto. Maybe it was too much pressure.
"Pierre is the foundation from which we must begin."
Flavio Briatore acknowledges that Alpine is losing patience with Franco Colapinto, despite the rookie claiming he has more to demonstrate in the latter half of the 2025 season. The 21-year-old Argentine driver was brought in on loan from Williams after Briatore persuaded Renault to invest significantly in the arrangement. However, following a challenging initial period, Briatore is reconsidering the timing.
"These cars are quite heavy and very fast," he remarked. "For a young driver to enter Formula 1, it may not have been the right moment for Franco. Perhaps he requires another year or two. He is working hard with the engineers to meet their expectations, but it’s not what I anticipated from Colapinto. Maybe it was too much pressure.
Perez-Bottas' 'cautious' decision ignites discussion.
"2024 was a tough year for Perez."
Cadillac's choice to kick off its Formula 1 program with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas is sparking mixed reactions in the paddock. Dr. Helmut Marko, a key figure in the decision to let go of Perez after 2024, stated to Kleine Zeitung that while the duo is reliable, they’ve opted for a cautious approach. "They've taken the conservative path," remarked the Red Bull advisor. "They know what they have. I spoke with him (Perez) on the phone, and he's motivated. If he’s motivated and the car is good, then he’ll certainly return to the level he achieved before," he added.
Perez was dismissed by Red Bull at the close of 2024, while Bottas served as Mercedes' reserve in 2025 following a challenging final period at Sauber. Sky Deutschland analyst Ralf Schumacher pointed out the clear challenge facing both drivers.
"2024 was a tough year for Perez."
Cadillac's choice to kick off its Formula 1 program with Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas is sparking mixed reactions in the paddock. Dr. Helmut Marko, a key figure in the decision to let go of Perez after 2024, stated to Kleine Zeitung that while the duo is reliable, they’ve opted for a cautious approach. "They've taken the conservative path," remarked the Red Bull advisor. "They know what they have. I spoke with him (Perez) on the phone, and he's motivated. If he’s motivated and the car is good, then he’ll certainly return to the level he achieved before," he added.
Perez was dismissed by Red Bull at the close of 2024, while Bottas served as Mercedes' reserve in 2025 following a challenging final period at Sauber. Sky Deutschland analyst Ralf Schumacher pointed out the clear challenge facing both drivers.
Verstappen suggests he might consider GT3 if Red Bull struggles in 2026.
Max Verstappen has indicated that he might explore other motorsport avenues if Red Bull's 2026 initiative does not meet expectations. The four-time world champion mentioned to Viaplay: "It depends on our performance next season. If we are competitive, my focus will be solely on Formula 1. However, if we are not, I might consider other opportunities on the side."
When questioned about competing in the Dakar rally, the Dutch driver remarked at his home race in Zandvoort: "I’m not inclined to drive a vehicle through the sand. I dislike sand. However, the idea of participating in 24-hour races has always intrigued me. It's unique and quite different from Formula 1, especially since you share a car with another driver. My primary goal has always been to achieve success in Formula 1, which I have done.
Max Verstappen has indicated that he might explore other motorsport avenues if Red Bull's 2026 initiative does not meet expectations. The four-time world champion mentioned to Viaplay: "It depends on our performance next season. If we are competitive, my focus will be solely on Formula 1. However, if we are not, I might consider other opportunities on the side."
When questioned about competing in the Dakar rally, the Dutch driver remarked at his home race in Zandvoort: "I’m not inclined to drive a vehicle through the sand. I dislike sand. However, the idea of participating in 24-hour races has always intrigued me. It's unique and quite different from Formula 1, especially since you share a car with another driver. My primary goal has always been to achieve success in Formula 1, which I have done.
Mekies: There’s no 'magic button' to overtake McLaren.
"It’s about examining every aspect."
Laurent Mekies acknowledges that his unexpected elevation to Christian Horner’s former position at Red Bull took him by surprise. "It was completely unexpected for me," the 48-year-old Frenchman told De Telegraaf. "In the weeks that followed, I had numerous discussions and felt like I was in a transitional phase. So, the summer break actually turned out to be beneficial."
Mekies chuckled when asked if he truly managed to disconnect from work. "You’re not trying to suggest that I violated FIA rules, are you?" The former Ferrari, FIA, and Racing Bulls member shared that the changes have been challenging for his family. "I left Italy for Silverstone for the race with just a suitcase for three days. Then I ended up staying in England for a month," he laughed again.
"It’s about examining every aspect."
Laurent Mekies acknowledges that his unexpected elevation to Christian Horner’s former position at Red Bull took him by surprise. "It was completely unexpected for me," the 48-year-old Frenchman told De Telegraaf. "In the weeks that followed, I had numerous discussions and felt like I was in a transitional phase. So, the summer break actually turned out to be beneficial."
Mekies chuckled when asked if he truly managed to disconnect from work. "You’re not trying to suggest that I violated FIA rules, are you?" The former Ferrari, FIA, and Racing Bulls member shared that the changes have been challenging for his family. "I left Italy for Silverstone for the race with just a suitcase for three days. Then I ended up staying in England for a month," he laughed again.
Valtteri Bottas: I'm confident the car will be ready in January.
Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will be the first to bring Cadillac F1’s cars to the grid at the team’s debut race in March next year. Between them they have 527 Grands Prix, both have finished as runners-up in the world championship in different years, and on Sky Sport Valtteri spoke about his mindset at this, the very early stage of getting to know the team.
Valtteri Bottas: “This is a very serious challenge, and I’m ready to take it on. Sergio Perez and I need to remain realistic and work hard, trying to give the team direction. The race in Melbourne in 2026 will be a kind of starting point, and for now nobody knows how things will turn out, but the only way from there is up.
So far, everything is going according to plan, as far as I understand.
Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez will be the first to bring Cadillac F1’s cars to the grid at the team’s debut race in March next year. Between them they have 527 Grands Prix, both have finished as runners-up in the world championship in different years, and on Sky Sport Valtteri spoke about his mindset at this, the very early stage of getting to know the team.
Valtteri Bottas: “This is a very serious challenge, and I’m ready to take it on. Sergio Perez and I need to remain realistic and work hard, trying to give the team direction. The race in Melbourne in 2026 will be a kind of starting point, and for now nobody knows how things will turn out, but the only way from there is up.
So far, everything is going according to plan, as far as I understand.
Last night two teams – Aston Martin and Racing Bulls – breached the curfew. Lance Stroll crashed his car on Friday – and his chassis was changed. The power unit on Hajjar’s car at Racing Bulls was replaced.
To carry out these works, team staff whose duties are directly related to servicing the car were on the track during the prohibited time period, which began on August 29 at 21:00 and ended on August 30 at 08:30.
For both teams this is the first of the two breaches permitted by the regulations, so no sanctions will be imposed.
To carry out these works, team staff whose duties are directly related to servicing the car were on the track during the prohibited time period, which began on August 29 at 21:00 and ended on August 30 at 08:30.
For both teams this is the first of the two breaches permitted by the regulations, so no sanctions will be imposed.
Flavio Briatore: Ultimately, the result matters.
Flavio Briatore on the future and lineup of the Alpine team…
Question: Flavio, what qualities does Franco Colapinto need to show to stay in the team?
Flavio Briatore: I’ve already seen everything he can do. It’s a difficult question. Modern cars are very heavy, very fast. He finds them hard to handle. For a young driver who is just starting out in Formula 1, now is not the most suitable time. Maybe he needs another year or two to feel like part of Formula 1.
Ultimately, the result is what matters to us. He tries very hard. He really tries to please the engineers in every way, but that’s not what I expect from Colapinto.
Question: Next week Steve Nielsen will start working with the team. What is his main task?
Flavio Briatore: I’ve known Steve for a long time; he was with me at Renault.
Flavio Briatore on the future and lineup of the Alpine team…
Question: Flavio, what qualities does Franco Colapinto need to show to stay in the team?
Flavio Briatore: I’ve already seen everything he can do. It’s a difficult question. Modern cars are very heavy, very fast. He finds them hard to handle. For a young driver who is just starting out in Formula 1, now is not the most suitable time. Maybe he needs another year or two to feel like part of Formula 1.
Ultimately, the result is what matters to us. He tries very hard. He really tries to please the engineers in every way, but that’s not what I expect from Colapinto.
Question: Next week Steve Nielsen will start working with the team. What is his main task?
Flavio Briatore: I’ve known Steve for a long time; he was with me at Renault.
Lando Norris was the fastest on Saturday morning.
Sunny. Dry. Air +20°C, track +22°C
By the start of the third practice almost nothing reminded of the morning rain. The asphalt remained wet only by the pits, where mechanics were trying to dry it, fans in the stands were enjoying the sun and greeting the drivers, who, to be safe, first did a lap on intermediate tyres and then switched to slicks.
The rain washed away the layer of used rubber that had appeared on Friday, the track was slippery, but with each lap grip improved, more cars were running, and by the middle of the session drivers were already complaining about traffic.
Grid position in Zandvoort is very important; in the final twenty minutes drivers ran with low fuel on Soft tyres, but putting in a clean lap was not easy.
On the 50th minute Alonso and Russell almost caused a crash.
Sunny. Dry. Air +20°C, track +22°C
By the start of the third practice almost nothing reminded of the morning rain. The asphalt remained wet only by the pits, where mechanics were trying to dry it, fans in the stands were enjoying the sun and greeting the drivers, who, to be safe, first did a lap on intermediate tyres and then switched to slicks.
The rain washed away the layer of used rubber that had appeared on Friday, the track was slippery, but with each lap grip improved, more cars were running, and by the middle of the session drivers were already complaining about traffic.
Grid position in Zandvoort is very important; in the final twenty minutes drivers ran with low fuel on Soft tyres, but putting in a clean lap was not easy.
On the 50th minute Alonso and Russell almost caused a crash.
Mekis: The team has a fighting spirit, and Max sets the tone.
Practice at Zandvoort is over, and Max Verstappen finished the final, third practice session with the fifth fastest time, Yuki Tsunoda with 12th. Laurent Mekies has been in charge of Red Bull Racing for just over a month and a half and told Sky Sports how things are going at this stage of the season.
Laurent Mekies: "The August break was needed for us to analyse everything that happened to the team in the four weeks leading up to it. But I'm pleased to see that everyone returned to the Milton Keynes base refreshed, full of energy, and now we're hard at work on track.
The Budapest round was our worst in terms of results, although we tried many different approaches to try to change the situation for the better, but it seems that few things worked back then.
Practice at Zandvoort is over, and Max Verstappen finished the final, third practice session with the fifth fastest time, Yuki Tsunoda with 12th. Laurent Mekies has been in charge of Red Bull Racing for just over a month and a half and told Sky Sports how things are going at this stage of the season.
Laurent Mekies: "The August break was needed for us to analyse everything that happened to the team in the four weeks leading up to it. But I'm pleased to see that everyone returned to the Milton Keynes base refreshed, full of energy, and now we're hard at work on track.
The Budapest round was our worst in terms of results, although we tried many different approaches to try to change the situation for the better, but it seems that few things worked back then.