Dutch Grand Prix: Comments before the stage

      Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team

      Toto Wolff: "In the first part of the season, we lost points, and our competitors managed to close the gap. We understand that we need to achieve more in the second part. The fate of the titles depends on how effectively we implement our plans and how quickly we can improve the car in the next twelve races. Although we are slightly behind our competitors in terms of updates, we have a reserve of efficiency that can be unlocked and a clear development plan for that.

      Since its return to the calendar, the Zandvoort race has posed a unique challenge. A complex track that is difficult to master, the incredible atmosphere created by the fans – this race has become an event that teams and drivers look forward to. We were close to victory, but in the modern era, we haven't won there yet. This weekend, we have one last chance to change that, and we are ready to take on this challenge."

      Scuderia Ferrari

      Frederic Vasseur, Team Principal: "The Zandvoort race will be the first of the second half of the season, but our approach remains unchanged – to work from race to race and focus primarily on our own tasks. We have had time to recharge and are now ready for a very tight battle.

      As always with a sprint weekend, we will have only one practice session before the sprint qualifying. Therefore, it is especially important to prepare as well as possible and to get everything right from the first laps.

      Zandvoort is a challenging track for both drivers and machinery, so our task is simple – to secure the highest possible positions and take advantage of every opportunity that comes our way."

      McLaren Formula 1 Team

      Neil Holdsworth on the specifics of the weekend in Zandvoort...

      Red Bull Racing

      Max Verstappen: "We managed to rest and recharge during the summer break, and now I am looking forward to the start of the race weekend in Zandvoort.

      This race will be special for me and the fans, as it will be the last Dutch Grand Prix. I have many fond memories associated with Zandvoort, and the opportunity to race here in front of my fans in recent years has been a great honor and one of the highlights of my career.

      This week, I will be racing in a special helmet designed in the traditional Delft Blue style – the famous Dutch white and blue ceramics. It is a traditional and beautiful pattern that will be perfect for the last race.

      My helmet is dedicated to the Dutch fans in gratitude for their unwavering support over the years. I hope we can delight them with a good result this weekend."

      Haas F1 Team

      Ayo Komatsu: "We are looking forward to returning to racing this weekend in Zandvoort. There is always an incredible atmosphere at this track thanks to the passionate Dutch fans.

      It is no secret that the team had a tough series of races before the summer break, so the pause came at the right time. The whole team had the opportunity to rest and recharge before the second half of the season.

      We start with a race that will take place in a sprint format, so it is essential to work as efficiently as possible from the very beginning, as we will have only one practice session.

      The Zandvoort track presents many challenging tasks, but I am curious to see how we return and how the team handles the task after the break."

      Oliver Berman: "We are back on track. The recent break was very timely for both the team and me. It was great to spend time with family and friends, turn off my phone, and focus on my own things.

      In the second half of the season, my main goal is to perform my job as well as possible and work cohesively with the team to achieve the best possible result.

      I love Zandvoort, and it's a shame that this race is included in the Formula 1 calendar for the last time. The atmosphere here is incredible, the Dutch fans always create a special mood, and the track itself is unique. I can't wait to get back behind the wheel."

      Esteban Ocon: "It was great to spend the summer break with family and friends and to relax a bit. It was important for all of us to take this opportunity to recharge before the intense second half of the season.

      Now we are ready to get back on track. Let's see what results the team can achieve. Zandvoort is a great track to start the second half of the season. The fans always create an incredible atmosphere, and the track itself is very interesting to drive.

      In the first half of the season, we faced several challenges, so now we want to maintain the stability we showed in Hungary. Since we have a sprint weekend ahead, we need to make the most of every session and push the car to its limits from the very start."

      Alpine F1

      Pierre Gasly: "I always fondly remember Zandvoort, where I first stood on the podium with Alpine in 2023. It was an unforgettable day when we made the right decisions, and I didn't make any mistakes in changing weather conditions.

      It's nice to come to a race weekend after the break. It's always a great opportunity to reflect, spend time with family and friends. I was at home – lounging around, walking my dog, running on the beach, working out at the gym, and spending days by the pool! Now I'm ready to continue!

      We have a serious task ahead, the team is in a tight battle in the championship, but we know that if we prepare and implement effective updates, everything will work out. We have a serious challenge ahead, and I am ready for it, starting with the sprint in Zandvoort."

      Franco Colapinto: "I am very excited to return to racing after such a long summer break. I started my vacation a bit later as I was finishing the Pirelli tire tests in Hungary, but after that, I was able to rest well and recharge after a really intense first half of the season.

      We finished the first part of the season with a bit of disappointment, but that shows how far we have come as a team compared to the same period last year. Now we are fighting for fifth place in the Constructors' Championship – that is truly impressive. We all want to show our best side and secure this result for the team.

      There is still a long way to go until the end of the season, but it is important to start the second half with a good result in Zandvoort. I like this track; I remember it well from the youth series. It will be interesting to see how this weekend unfolds with the Saturday sprint. We need to start well on Friday morning, find our rhythm, and push to the limit from the very beginning."

      Racing Bulls

      Alan Permain: "After the traditional summer break, Formula 1 returns to Zandvoort. Last year, this race became one of the brightest moments of the season for the entire Racing Bulls team. We are looking forward to returning to the old-school track with fast direction changes and various corners – from slow to very fast.

      This weekend is in a sprint format, so we need to work as efficiently as possible from the very first practice session.

      Our car has performed well on various types of tracks, so we approach this weekend with confidence in our abilities and want to continue our streak of finishes in the top ten."

      Audi

      Alan McNish, Racing Director: "The summer break allowed everyone to recharge before the decisive part of the season. There is a lot of work ahead, but we have chosen the right direction and are moving forward. Earning points is very challenging right now, but we are focused on competing in Zandvoort and the upcoming races.

      Races with Saturday sprints are always challenging, as we have less time to prepare for the main events. We are looking forward to getting back on track and want to consolidate the progress we have made."

      Nico Hülkenberg: "After scoring points in Budapest, we left for the break in good spirits, managed to rest and recharge, and now we are fully focused on the second half of the season.

      The race in Zandvoort has always been special for me. I grew up not far away, on the border, and I started my motorsport career in the Netherlands – I have always had a special connection with this country and its people.

      Zandvoort is a classic old-school track where Dutch fans create an incredible atmosphere. The realization that this is the last Dutch Grand Prix for the foreseeable future will make it even more special. I hope we can continue from where we left off in Budapest and have another strong weekend."

      Gabriel Bortoleto: "It's nice to have a couple of weeks off to relax and recharge, but now I am looking forward to getting back. With each race, we are learning more about the car, gradually unlocking its potential – and we want to continue this experience in the second half of the season.

      Racing in Zandvoort is always interesting, and the Saturday sprint format will make the weekend a bit more intense, but that's great. The first half of the season ended quite positively, and now we need to continue from where we left off."

      Williams Racing

      Paul Williams on the specifics of Zandvoort...

      Cadillac F1

      Marcin Budkowski, Team Principal: "The weekend program in Zandvoort includes a sprint, so the start of my work at Cadillac F1 will be energetic and exciting. This is my first week with the team, and at the