Dutch Grand Prix: Stage Preview

      Orange sky,

      Orange sea,

      Orange greenery,

      Orange camel.

      Orange mothers

      To orange kids

      Orange songs

      Sing in orange.

      (A. Arkanov and G. Gorin "Orange Song")

      Any successful series in Formula 1 eventually comes to an end. Just recently, the Zandvoort track was ceremoniously returning to the calendar against the backdrop of Max Verstappen's victories and titles, and the "orange army" supported him so actively that the cars were obscured by smoke.

      For three consecutive years, Max started from pole at his home track, winning the race each time, but the white streak has ended – now other drivers arrive as favorites at the dune track, but there is no doubt that Verstappen will do everything to please his audience, which has only one idol.

      A couple of years ago in the Netherlands, it was said that there was no more money for the event, interest was declining, and it would be good to alternate stages in Belgium and the Netherlands in the future, especially since these tracks are only 300 km apart and there is a long summer break. At that time, the contract for holding the Dutch Grand Prix was extended, but only for one year, confirming that the 2026 race would be the last.

      This year in Zandvoort, there is once again a full house, aided by the status of the last Grand Prix and the weekend format with a Saturday sprint. Organizers expect to welcome 100,000 spectators each day of the eventful weekend.

      How interestingly the power dynamics are changing this season! From the first year after a serious regulation change, surprises were expected, as well as the dominance of one of the teams that managed to better understand the new regulations, but while surprises are in order, the team Mercedes, which confidently won at the beginning of the season, is finding it increasingly difficult.

      In the last five Grand Prix, Ferrari has scored the most points – 142 compared to 135 for Mercedes. Yes, Mercedes has been let down by reliability – between their two drivers, they have three races without points, while Ferrari has only one, but with such a high pace of car development, where everyone primarily thinks about speed, the issue of reliability takes a back seat, though it remains relevant.

      Several teams will bring promising updates to Zandvoort and Monza, which could change the dynamics both in the midfield and in the battle for victories. Honda will showcase a new version of the power unit for Aston Martin this week, Ferrari has prepared a new floor and diffuser, and a new engine will be presented in Monza. Mercedes and McLaren are also not standing still – in the first year under the new rules, the effect of updates is always impressive if they work.

      Mercedes, McLaren, Ferrari, and Red Bull either won races or were close to doing so on the weekends when they introduced major updates. This battle of updates will determine not only the race winners but also the direction of development for the next season – work on the 2027 cars is already in its most active phase.

      The summer break is behind us, and there are still twelve Grand Prix left until the end of the season, provided they all take place. The next three stages – Zandvoort, Monza, and Madrid – will conclude the European part of the season, after which Formula 1 will go on tour to name the champion at the beginning of winter. The end of the season should be magnificent!